INSP, a family friendly and Western-content focused cable network, has elevated a pair of technology executives, tapping John Rouda as executive VP of technology and Eric Edwards as VP, media logistics.

Rouda, who joined the Indian Land, South Carolina-based cable programmer in 2016, most recently was its VP, technology. He holds more than 25 years of experience in such areas as software engineering, DevOps, infrastructure and cybersecurity. In addition to his professional duties, he teaches part-time at Winthrop University and hosts the podcast A Geek Leader, where he interviews guests and shares book reviews and concepts with an eye toward mentoring future tech leaders. 

“John possesses an ability to simplify complex challenges and create profitable, sustainable outcomes,” INSP CEO David Cerullo said in a statement. “He has developed a highly motivated and culturally diverse team of skilled technical professionals that keep our network operations adaptable, efficient and secure.”

Edwards, who’ll report to Rouda in his new role, joined INSP in 2018 after six years at NBCUniversal. As senior director of media operations, he has introduced to the network updated media workflows and design in areas such as postproduction, mastering, digital restoration and digital distribution. He started his career in postproduction and distribution of independent feature films. 

“Eric is a seasoned media professional whose entertainment experience and skillset has been invaluable to the technology team,” Rouda said in a statement. “He is an expert at automation, integration, and operational enhancement. His design and execution of large-scale initiatives has played a pivotal role in content distribution to FAST, linear and OTT digital channels. We are fortunate to have Eric’s incredible talent and kind demeanor leading multiple INSP initiatives.”

INSP says it is available in some 47 million homes, offering a lineup that includes original series, Westerns, action-oriented dramas and films that feature adventure and heroic characters. 

Live sports programming continues to deliver huge ratings for TNT and ESPN as both networks dominated last week’s primetime cable ratings chart.

TNT averaged 3.2 million viewers for the week of May 13-19 to top all cable networks for the fourth straight week, according to Nielsen numbers supplied by Fox News. The network was bolstered by its May 19 coverage of the Minnesota Timberwolves-Denver Nuggets Game 7 NBA Western Conference semifinals telecast, which averaged 7.5 million viewers.

NBA and NHL playoffs-fueled ESPN finished second for the week with 2.2 million viewers, followed by Fox News' 1.9 million viewers and MSNBC’s 1.1 million watchers.

HGTV pulled into fifth place with 647,000 viewers, followed by Hallmark Channel (637,000 viewers), INSP (606,000), TBS (525,000), USA Network (522,000) and History (512,000).

Fox News posted its 19th straight win on the total day chart with 1.2 million viewers, followed by MSNBC (831,000), TNT (797,000), ESPN (771,000) and CNN (471,000), according to Nielsen. 

Fox News Channel’s coverage of the South Carolina Primary helped the news network complete a sweep of the primetime and total day charts for the month of February.

Fox News averaged 2.1 million viewers in primetime for the week of February 19-25 for its sixth straight win, topping second place TNT, which averaged 1.6 million viewers for the week, according to Nielsen numbers supplied by Fox News. 

Fox News was paced by its February 24 South Carolina Primary coverage, along with its February 20 Town Hall event featuring Laura Ingraham and former President Trump, which averaged 3.3 million viewers.  

MSNBC finished third for the week with 1.4 million viewers, followed by ESPN with 861,000 viewers, and HGTV, which pulled in 791,000 viewers. 

TBS was sixth with 735,000 viewers, followed by History (718,000 viewers), CNN (677,000), Hallmark Channel (613,000) and INSP (611,000).

Fox News held on to first place on the total day chart with 1.3 million viewers, followed by MSNBC (949,000 viewers), CNN (549,000), ESPN (460,000) and TNT (434,000), said Nielsen. 

Fox News was the most-watched cable network in primetime and total day for the first full week of February as it continues to pile up ratings victories in 2024. 

The cable news network averaged 2 million viewers for the week of February 5-11 for its fourth straight win on the chart, according to Nielsen numbers supplied by Fox News. MSNBC was a distant second with 1.3 million viewers, followed by HGTV’s 749,000 viewers, History’s 731,000 viewers, and ESPN’s 670,000 watchers.

TBS finished sixth with 645,000 viewers, followed by INSP (626,000), TNT (596,000), Hallmark Channel (571,000) and USA Network (569,000). 

On a total day basis, Fox News averaged 1.3 million viewers for the week, blowing away competition from MSNBC (846,000 viewers), CNN (462,000), ESPN (455,000), and HGTV (433,000), reported Nielsen. 

Fox News continued its strong 2023 ratings run, finishing at the top of both the primetime and total day charts for third straight week.

Fox News averaged 2 million viewers in primetime for the week of January 29 to February 4, besting MSNBC’s 1.2 million viewers and ESPN’s 1 million watchers, according to Nielsen numbers provided by Fox News. The cable news network has won the primetime crown in three of the first five weeks of 2024.

HGTV finished fourth with 853,000 viewers followed by History with 765,000. TBS was sixth with 754,000, followed by Hallmark Channel (681,000), Discovery Channel (642,000), USA Network (622,000) and INSP (617,000).

On a total day basis, Fox News averaged 1.3 million viewers, followed by MSNBC (794,000 viewers), ESPN (547,000), HGTV (445,000) and CNN (434,000), said Nielsen. 

Fox News Channel looks to end the year on a high note after posting its second straight weekly sweep of the primetime and total-day ratings charts.

The news network averaged 1.8 million viewers during the week of December 4-10, besting ESPN’s 1.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen numbers supplied by Fox News. The news network was paced by its December 5 Hannity Town Hall special featuring former President Donald Trump, which drew more than 3 million viewers, according to Nielsen. 

MSNBC finished third with 1.2 million viewers, followed by Hallmark Channel’s 1.1 million viewers and TNT’s 816,000 watchers.

History was sixth with 701,000 viewers, followed by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries (687,000 viewers), HGTV (665,000), USA Network (627,000) and INSP (579,000).

Fox News averaged 1.1 million viewers on a 24-hour basis, beating out MSNBC (779,000 viewers), ESPN (666,000), Hallmark Channel (664,000) and CNN (427,000), according to Nielsen. 

INSP has renewed its historical documentary Into The Wild Frontier for a fourth season as the network continues focusing on Western-themed programming.

Into The Western Frontier chronicles the men and women at the forefront of America's westward expansion, said the network. The eight-episode third season of the series concluded this past June.    

"From its initial airing, Into The Wild Frontier has taken audiences on an extraordinary journey through history, presenting the challenges and conquests of daring adventurers," INSP executive VP of programming Doug Butts said in a statement. "This was an era when America was rugged, dangerous, and, for the most part, unexplored. Each episode is unique, focusing on pioneers of the Western frontier, many of whom are unknown or obscure. We are bringing these heroic men and women, and their stories to life." 

three Fox News extended its hot summer ratings performance into August with a sweep of both the primetime and total day charts. 

Fox News averaged 1.8 million viewers in primetime during the week of July 31 to August 6 to top all cable networks for the sixth straight week, according to Nielsen figures supplied by Fox News. MSNBC finished second with 1.5 million viewers, followed by HGTV’s 768,000 viewers and Hallmark Channel’s 724,000 watchers.

INSP was the fifth most-watched network for the week with 719,000 viewers, followed by CNN (710,000 viewers), History (676,000), USA Network (651,000), TLC (627,000) and Food Network (528,000).

The August 5 arraignment of Donald Trump in Washington D.C. federal court helped three cable news networks top the total day charts last week. Fox News led all networks with 1.1 million viewers, followed by MSNBC with 966,000 viewers and CNN with 547,000 watchers. HGTV (427,000 viewers) and Hallmark Channel (426,000) rounded out the top five most-watched networks on a 24-hour basis, according to Nielsen.  

Fox News Channel’s new primetime programming lineup helped the network remain at the top of both the cable primetime and total day charts last week.

Fox News averaged 1.8 million viewers in primetime during the week of July 17 to July 23 to top all cable networks for the fourth consecutive week, according to Nielsen numbers supplied by Fox News. The network was led by the July 17 launch of its revamped 8 pm to 11 pm lineup, featuring shows  Jesse Watters Primetime, Hannity, and Gutfeld!. Adding in its 7 p.m. series The Ingraham Angle and its 11 p.m. show Fox News @ Night with Trace Gallagher, Fox News averaged 2.1 million viewers for its 7 pm to 11 p.m. lineup, besting competing cable networks CNN and MSNBC in total viewers.

MSNBC finished second in primetime with 1.2 million viewers, followed by Hallmark Channel with 739,000 viewers, INSP with 711,000 viewers, and HGTV with 671,000 watchers.

Rounding out the top 10 most-watched networks in primetime were History (660,000 viewers), TLC (631,000), USA Network (608,000), Discovery Channel (567,000), and TBS (553,000).

On a 24-hour basis, Fox News extended its winning streak to 29 weeks with an average of 1.1 million viewers. MSNBC was a distant second with 779,000 viewers, followed by Hallmark Channel (475,000), USA Network (441,000), and CNN (426,000). 

Fox News held off ESPN to win its third straight weekly primetime cable ratings crown. 

Fox News averaged 1.4 million viewers during the week of July 10 to July 16 to top all cable networks, according to Nielsen ratings supplied by Fox News. ESPN, bolstered by its July 10 MLB Home Run Derby coverage, finished second with 1.2 million viewers, followed by MSNBC with 1.1 million watchers.

INSP was fourth for the week with 788,000 viewers, while Hallmark Channel finished fifth with 724,000 viewers. HGTV (710,000 viewers), History (704,000), TLC (674,000), Discovery Channel (643,000), and USA Network (632,000) rounded out the top 10 most-watched cable networks in primetime.

Fox News increased its winning streak on the total day chart to 28 weeks, averaging 1 million viewers to top MSNBC (730,000), ESPN (630,000), Hallmark Channel (442,000) and CNN (411,000), according to Nielsen.

MSNBC and Fox News last week ended TNT’s seven-week run at the top spot of the cable primetime chart, while also finishing in the top two spots on the total day chart.

MSNBC and Fox News both averaged 1.5 million viewers for the week of June 5 to June 11 to top all cable networks, according to Nielsen figures supplied by Fox News. In fact, according to TV Newser's A.J. Katz, MSNBC edged out Fox News, averaging 1,520,857 primetime viewers to 1,504,429 for Fox News, ending a 120-week win streak for Fox News. ESPN finished third on the chart with 1 million viewers, followed by TNT’s 923,000 viewers and INSP’s 795,000 watchers.

Rounding out the most-watched networks in primetime for the week were HGTV (764,000 viewers), History (704,000), CNN (677,000), Hallmark Channel (654,000) and USA Network (646,000).

On a 24-hour basis, Fox News led all networks for the 23rd consecutive week with 1 million viewers, followed by MSNBC (932,000 viewers), CNN (491,000), ESPN (444,000) and HGTV (406,000), according to Nielsen.  

Fox News remained the most watched network in primetime and total day last week despite competition from the start of the National Basketball Association playoffs. 

Fox News averaged 2.1 million viewers in primetime for the week of April 10-April 16 for its third straight win in the category, according to Nielsen. The NBA's post-season play-in tournament boosted TNT to second place with 1.5 million viewers and ESPN to fourth place with 1.1 million watchers. MSNBC finished third with 1.2 million viewers.

HGTV finished fifth with 963,000 viewers, followed by INSP (728,000 viewers), History (717,000), Hallmark Channel (696,000), USA Network (570,000) and Food Network (564,000).

Fox News dominated the total day charts for the 14th consecutive week, averaging 1.3 million viewers and topping MSNBC (798,000 viewers), ESPN (606,000), TNT (550,000) and CNN (449,000), reported Nielsen. 

Also: Fox News Admits Making False Claims As It Settles Dominion Systems Lawsuit

Fox News Channel withstood a challenge from March Madness-heavy TNT and TBS to remain at the top of the primetime and total-day charts last week, according to Nielsen.

Fox News averaged 1.9 million viewers for the week of March 13-20 to garner its eighth-straight win in primetime, according to Nielsen. TNT finished a close second with 1.8 million viewers, followed by TBS’s 1.7 million viewers and truTV’s 1.1 million watchers. All three networks benefited from early round coverage of the March Madness NCAA men’s college basketball tournament.

MSNBC finished fifth for the week with 1.1 million viewers, followed by HGTV (935,000 viewers), INSP (742,000), FS1 (739,000), History (722,000) and ESPN (710,000).

Fox News topped the total day chart for the 10th straight week with 1.2 million viewers, followed by MSNBC (695,000 viewers), TBS (655,000), TNT (607,000) HGTV (495,000), said Nielsen. ■ 

ESPN barely fought off Fox News for top honors in primetime as the pro and college football season comes to a close.

ESPN averaged 2.7 million viewers in primetime during the week of January 2 to January 8, topping Fox News’ 2 million viewers, according to Nielsen. ESPN was led by the 9.1 million viewers that tuned into its January 2 Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals Monday Night Football telecast, a game that ended in the first quarter after Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field. 

MSNBC finished third with 1.3 million viewers, followed by Hallmark Channel with 982,000 and CNN at 918,000 watchers. 

HGTV finished sixth with 826,000 viewers, followed by History (763,000 viewers), TBS (727,000), TLC (677,000) and INSP (676,000).

Fox News regained the top spot in total day -- a week after having its 51-week winning streak broken by ESPN -- with an average of 1.4 million viewers. ESPN (1.1 million viewers), MSNBC (950,000), CNN (740,000) and Hallmark Channel (505,000) followed close behind, reported Nielsen. ■

ESPN kicked off 2023 in grand style, topping both the primetime and the total-day charts.

The sports network, led by its New Year’s Eve College Football Playoff semifinals doubleheader coverage, averaged 7.7 million viewers in primetime during the week of December 26 to January 1, according to Nielsen. ESPN’s December 31 Georgia-Ohio State Peach Bowl telecast drew more than 22 million viewers, while its TCU-Michigan Fiesta Bowl telecast averaged more than 21 million viewers, said Nielsen.

Fox News Channel finished second in primetime with 1.3 million viewers, followed by Paramount Network’s 1.1 million viewers, Hallmark Channel’s 1 million viewers and HGTV’s 832,000 watchers.

MSNBC was sixth with 831,000 viewers, followed by TBS and TLC (tied with 737,000 viewers), INSP (696,000) and CNN (688,000).

ESPN averaged 2.9 million viewers on a total day basis to top all networks, ending Fox News’s winning streak at 51 weeks. The news network finished second with 1 million viewers, followed by Hallmark Channel (662,000 viewers), MSNBC (632,000) and CNN (558,000), Nielsen reported. ■

Fox News and ESPN tied for first on last week’s primetime chart during the first full week of December.

Fox News and ESPN each averaged 2.1 million viewers during the week of December 5 to December 11, according to Nielsen. ESPN was paced by its December 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers-New Orleans Saints Monday Night Football telecast, which averaged more than 11 million viewers, while Fox News benefited from its coverage of the December 6 Georgia Senate runoff election.

MSNBC finished in third place with 1.4 million viewers, while Hallmark Channel pulled into fourth with 1.3 million viewers and Paramount Network finished fifth with 866,000 viewers. 

HGTV was sixth with 750,000 viewers, followed by History (739,000), TLC (738,000), CNN (701,000) and INSP (671,000), said the network. 

Fox News easily topped the total day charts with 1.4 million viewers for its 49th straight weekly win. MSNBC (842,000 viewers), Hallmark Channel (746,000), ESPN (712,000) and CNN (551,000) rounded out the top five most-watched networks on a 24-hour basis, reported Nielsen. ■  

Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas original holiday movies lineup delivered a big primetime ratings performance for the network during the Thanksgiving holiday week.

Hallmark Channel averaged 1.7 million viewers in primetime on the strength of seven holiday film premieres during the week of November 21 to November 27, finishing only behind ESPN’s 3 million viewers, according to Nielsen. The sports network notched its second-straight primetime win behind its Monday Night Football and college football game telecasts.

Also: Hallmark Channel's ‘Three Wise Men and a Baby’ Holiday Movie Delivers Ratings Gift

Fox News finished third for the week with 1.6 million viewers, followed by Paramount Network, which averaged 1.1 million viewers. MSNBC pulled into the fifth spot with 791,000 viewers, followed by HGTV’s 702,000 watchers.

TLC finished seventh with 699,000 viewers, followed by Food Network (695,000 viewers), History (658,000) and INSP (657,000).

Fox News held on to the top spot on the total day chart for the 47th consecutive week with an average of 1.2 million viewers, followed by ESPN (1 million viewers), Hallmark Channel (878,000), World Cup-infused FS1 (589,000) and MSNBC (556,000), according to Nielsen. ■

INSP has green-lit a fourth season of its cowboy competition series Ultimate Cowboy Showdown.

The new season of the series will feature the return of original series judge Trace Adkins along with top contestants from the first three seasons. Over the course of the season cowboy contestants will participate in individual and team challenges that put their skills to the test, according to the network.

The winner of the Ultimate Cowboy Showdown All-Stars Edition will receive his own herd worth at least $50,000, according to network officials. 

 “We believe these incredible all-stars should be given a second chance at being crowned the winner of Ultimate Cowboy Showdown,” INSP executive VP of programming Doug Butts said in a statement. “However, season four promises to put their endurance and skills to the test. These veteran cowboys return with their big personalities and their best cowboy game in hopes of winning the grand prize! Each cowboy must display expertise and cowboy competency, but they cannot abandon the cowboy code. After each individual and team competition, Trace will render his decision.”

Also: INSP’s Dale Ardizzone Rounds Up Audiences With Western Shows

Adkins, who will also serve as executive producer for the series, added: “It's time to saddle up again. I’m looking forward to season four with these all-stars.” ■

ESPN rolled to its second-straight weekly primetime ratings win and Fox News Channel continued its dominance of the total-day charts during the first week of November.

ESPN averaged 3.1 million viewers in primetime during the week of October 31 to November 6, according to Nielsen. The sports network was bolstered in part by its November 5 Alabama-LSU college football telecast, which averaged 7.6 million viewers, the network's most-watched regular season game since 2016.

Fox News finished second with 2.4 million viewers, followed by Hallmark Channel with 1.1 million viewers and MSNBC with 1 million viewers. TLC finished fifth with 755,000 viewers, followed by HGTV (719,000), TBS (619,000), INSP (605,000), Food Network (566,000), and USA Network (557,000).

On the total-day front, Fox News averaged 1.6 million viewers for its 44th consecutive win, followed by ESPN (966,000), MSNBC (676,000), Hallmark Channel (665,000) and CNN (431,000), Nielsen said. ■  

Cable networks airing live sports programming scored big ratings returns last week, led by baseball playoffs-infused TBS.

TBS, bolstered by its coverage of Major League Baseball’s American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and New York Yankees, averaged 2.9 million viewers during the week of October 17 to October 23 to top all cable networks, according to Nielsen. ESPN, which continued to draw big audiences to Monday Night Football, finished second for the week with 2.7 million viewers.

FS1, which aired the National League Championship Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres, pulled into fourth place in primetime with 1.6 million viewers, and in sixth place on the total day chart with 484,000 viewers.

Fox News finished third in primetime for the week with 2.3 million viewers, while MSNBC rounded out the top five most watched networks with 1.1 million viewers.

TNT was sixth with 1 million viewers, followed by Hallmark Channel (982,000 viewers), HGTV (833,000), TLC (741,000) and INSP (635,000).

Fox News Channel remained atop the total-day charts for the 42nd week, fighting off challengers TBS (892,000 viewers), ESPN (888,000), MSNBC (719,000) and Hallmark Channel (549,000), Nielsen reported. ■  

ESPN and Fox News battled to a weekly cable primetime tie during the last week in September.

ESPN, helped by the more than 7 million viewers who tuned into its Sept. 26 Dallas Cowboys-New York Giants Monday Night Football game, and Fox News – buoyed by its coverage of powerful Hurricane Ian’s landfall early last week in Florida – each averaged 2.1 million viewers during the week of Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, according to Nielsen.

MSNBC pulled into third place with 1.1 million viewers followed by HGTV’s 809,000 viewers, CNN’s 770,000 viewers and TLC’s 748,000 watchers. Hurricane Ian coverage also bolstered The Weather Channel, which finished seventh with 700,000 viewers, followed by Hallmark Channel (698,000), INSP (664,000) and TBS (580,000), said network officials.

Fox News averaged 1.4 million viewers on a 24-hour basis to top all cable networks for the 39th straight week, followed by ESPN (815,000 viewers), MSNBC (779,000) CNN (670,000) and The Weather Channel (662,000), said Nielsen. ■  

Fox News Channel upended football-fueled ESPN to finish first in primetime last week as the fall television season begins to ramp up. 

Fox News averaged 2.1 million viewers in primetime during the week of September 19-25 to top all cable networks and end ESPN’s three-week winning streak, according to Nielsen. The sports network finished second with an average of 2 million viewers, followed by MSNBC with 1.2 million viewers. HGTV was fourth with 821,000 viewers and USA Network finished fifth with 707,000 watchers.

Rounding out the top 10 list of most watched cable networks in primetime were INSP (683,000 viewers), Hallmark Channel (680,000), CNN (674,000), TLC (643,000) and Food Network (622,000).

Fox News continued its dominance of the total-day charts by finishing first for the 38th straight week, followed by MSNBC (844,000 viewers), ESPN (773,000), CNN (603,000) and HGTV (449,000), according to Nielsen. ■

ESPN’s season debut of Monday Night Football last week helped the sports network secure its third straight primetime ratings win.

The sports network averaged 2.3 million viewers in primetime during the week of September 12 to September 18, besting Fox News, which averaged 2.2 million watchters, according to Nielsen. ESPN’s ratings were bolstered by the Sept. 12 Seattle Seahawks-Denver Broncos NFL telecast, which averaged 17.3 million viewers combined across ESPN, ABC, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Plus and ESPN2. 

MSNBC finished third with 1.2 million viewers, followed by HGTV with 893,000 viewers and USA Network with 823,000 watchers.

The rest of the top 10 most watched networks for the week include TLC (762,000 viewers), Hallmark Channel (722,000), CNN (705,000), INSP (660,000) and Food Network (652,000), according to Nielsen.

ESPN could not unseat Fox News on the total day charts, as the news network averaged 1.4 million viewers to take its 37th consecutive crown in the category. ESPN finished second with 841,000 viewers, followed by MSNBC (791,000), CNN (597,000) and HGTV (475,000), said Nielsen. ■  

ESPN's college football and U.S. Open tennis tournament coverage helped propel the sports network to its second straight weekly primetime cable ratings win during the first full week of September.

ESPN averaged 2.6 million viewers for the week of September 5 to September 11 to top all cable networks, according to Nielsen. Fox News finished second for the week with 2 million viewers, followed by MSNBC with 1 million viewers and HGTV with 877,000 viewers.

Hallmark Channel was the fifth most-watched network for the week with 800,000 viewers, followed by ESPN2 (773,000 viewers), INSP (753,000), TLC (747,000), CNN (696,000) and USA Network (668,000).

Fox News extended its total day winning streak to 36 weeks, averaging 1.3 million viewers for the period. ESPN (1 million viewers), MSNBC (721,000), CNN (605,000) and HGTV (491,000), finished among the top five most watched cable networks in the period, according to Nielsen. ■ 

Fox News capped an impressive summer run with a sweep of the weekly cable ratings charts for August, according to Nielsen.

Fox News averaged 2.2 million viewers in primetime for the week of August 22 to August 28 to top the chart for the 13th consecutive week, reported Nielsen. MSNBC finished second for the week with 1.3 million viewers, followed by ESPN with 1 million viewers.

HGTV was the most watched entertainment-based network with 944,000, followed by NFL Network, which rode its live NFL pre-season game coverage to a fifth place finish with 769,000 viewers.

TBS finished sixth with 745,000 viewers, followed by Hallmark Channel (743,000 viewers), TLC (734,000), INSP (722,000) and USA Network (685,000). 

The three cable news networks led the total day chart, with Fox News finishing first for the 34th consecutive week with 1.4 million viewers, followed by MSNBC with 820,000 viewers and CNN with 524,000 watchers. HGTV (499,000 viewers) and ESPN (466,000) rounded out the top five most-watched networks on the chart, said Nielsen. ■  

The dog days of summer haven’t slowed down the cable news networks’ domination of the weekly primetime and total day ratings charts.

Fox News and MSNBC topped both the primetime and total day charts during the week of August 15 to August 22, marking the sixth consecutive week the two news networks occupied the top positions, according to Nielsen.

In primetime, Fox News finished first with 2.3 million viewers – its 12 consecutive week in the top slot – followed by MSNBC with 1.3 million viewers. ESPN finished third with 887,000 viewers, followed by HGTV’s 872,000 viewers and Hallmark Channel’s 870,000 watchers.

TLC (766,000 viewers), CNN (750,000,) INSP (720,000) NFL Network (709,000) and TBS (673,000) rounded out the top 10 most watched networks in primetime.

On a total day basis, Fox News ran its consecutive winning streak to 33 weeks with an average of 1.4 million viewers. MSNBC (822,000 viewers) and CNN (564,000) finished second and third respectively, followed by HGTV (479,000) and Hallmark Channel (470,000), reported Nielsen. 

The cable news networks, bolstered by coverage of the August 8 FBI raid on former President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago home in Florida, nearly swept the top spots on the weekly primetime and total day charts.

Fox News topped the primetime chart for the week of Aug. 8 to Aug. 14, averaging 2.7 million viewers in notching its 11th straight win, according to Nielsen. MSNBC finished second for the week with 1.5 million, while CNN finished fourth with 893,000 viewers.

HGTV was the most watched entertainment network with 961,000 viewers to finish third, while Hallmark Channel finished fifth with 7770,000 viewers.

Major League Baseball game telecasts and Pre-season NFL football game airings helped propel ESPN (765,000 viewers) and NFL Network (758,000) to sixth and seventh place finishes respectively, followed by TLC (743,000), INSP (684,000) and TBS (653,000).

Fox News led the charge on the total day charts, averaging 1.6 million viewers for its 32nd consecutive win, followed by MSNBC’s 934,000 viewers and CNN’s 662,000 viewers. HGTV (508,000) and Hallmark Channel (452,000) rounded out the top five most watched cable networks for the week, according to Nielsen. ■  

Cable news networks Fox News Channel and MSNBC continued their hot summer ratings pace, leading both the primetime and total-day charts for the first week of August.

Fox News finished first in primetime for the 10th consecutive week, averaging 2 million viewers for the week of August 1-7, followed by MSNBC with 978,000 viewers, according to Nielsen.

On a total-day basis, Fox News extended its win streak to 31 consecutive weeks with an average of 1.4 million viewers, followed by MSNBC with 670,000 watchers.

It’s the fourth week in a row that Fox News and MSNBC have occupied the top two slots in both the primetime and total-day charts, Nielsen said. 

HGTV was the most watched network in both primetime (925,000 viewers) and total day (528,000 viewers.) INSP finished fourth in primetime with 816,000 viewers, followed by TLC’s 804,000 viewers.

TBS (768,000 viewers), Hallmark Channel (763,000), CNN (656,000), Discovery Channel (655,000) and Food Network (654,000) rounded out the top 10 most watched networks in primetime.

On a total-day basis, CNN (51,000 viewers), Hallmark Channel (452,000), INSP (425,000), Food Network (422,000), TV Land (383,000), USA Network (370,000), and TBS (359,000) finished among the top 10 most-watched cable networks, Nielsen reported. ■

Fox News and MSNBC continue to sizzle on the ratings front, taking the top two spots on both the primetime and total day charts last week.

Fox News was the most watched cable network in primetime for the week of July 18 to July 24 with 2.2 million viewers, its eighth-straight weekly chart win, according to Nielsen. MSNBC finished second for the second consecutive week with 1.6 million viewers. 

ESPN, propelled by the more than 6 million viewers that tuned into its July 19 Home Run Derby contest, finished third with 1.1 million viewers, followed by Hallmark Channel with 1 million watchers.

CNN was fifth with 998,000 viewers, followed by HGTV (919,000 viewers), TLC (890,000), TBS (814,000), INSP (764,000) and USA Network (736,000), said Nielsen.

Fox News ran its win streak on a 24-hour basis to 28 weeks with an average of 1.4 million viewers, followed by MSNBC (849,000 viewers), CNN (579,000), Hallmark Channel (576,000) and HGTV (520,000), reported Nielsen. 

The cable news networks rode to the top of the total day charts last week while Fox News continued its winning streak on the primetime charts.

Fox News finished first on a 24-hour basis during the week of July 11 to July 17 for its 28th consecutive win with an average of 1.36 million viewers, according to Nielsen. MSNBC finished second with 824,000 viewers, followed by CNN with 564,000 watchers.

Hallmark Channel (564,000 viewers) and HGTV (507,000) were the top entertainment networks on the chart, reported Nielsen.

On a primetime basis, Fox News averaged 2.1 million viewers for its seventh consecutive weekly win, followed by MSNBC’s 1.3 million viewers and Hallmark Channel’s 939,000 viewers.

HGTV was fourth with 888,000 viewers, followed by TLC with 834,000 watchers. TBS (753,000 viewers), Discovery Channel (737,000), INSP (726,000), History (722,000) and CNN (660,000) rounded out the top 10 most watched networks in primetime, said Nielsen.

Fox News continued to sizzle this summer from a cable network ratings perspective, fending off competitors on both the primetime and total day charts.

Fox News averaged 1.9 million viewers during the week of July 4 to July 10 to top all cable networks for the sixth straight week, according to Nielsen. Hallmark Channel moved into second place for the week with an average of 1 million viewers, followed by HGTV’s 993,000 viewers and MSNBC’s 982,000 watchers.

TLC finished fifth with 771,000 viewers, followed by ESPN (734,000 viewers), INSP (710,000), History (706,000), CNN (705,000) and FX (639,000), reported Nielsen.

On the total day chart, Fox News won for the 27th consecutive week with 1.3 million viewers, nearly doubling second place MSNBC’s 666,000 viewers and easily outdistancing Hallmark Channel (581,000 viewers), HGTV (539,000) and CNN (538,000), said Nielsen.

Fox News Channel continued its control over the top spot on the cable ratings charts heading into July.

The cable news service averaged 2 million viewers in primetime during the week of June 27-0July 3 to top the chart for the fifth straight week, according to Nielsen. MSNBC finished second with 1.3 million viewers, followed by HGTV with 866,000 viewers. 

INSP finished fourth with 784,000 viewers followed by Discovery Channel’s 746,000 viewers and TLC’s 216,000 watchers. Hallmark Channel (712,000 viewers), History (694,000), TBS (686,000) and CNN (672,000) rounded out the top 10 most watched networks in primetime.

On a 24-hour basis, Fox News averaged 1.3 million viewers to take top honors for the 26th consecutive week, followed by MSNBC (838,000), CNN (565,000), HGTV (507,000) and Hallmark Channel (468,000), Nielsen said. ■

Fox News closed out June on a ratings roll, sweeping both the primetime and total day charts for the month. 

Fox News averaged 2.2 million viewers in primetime to best all cable networks for the fourth consecutive week, according to Nielsen.  MSNBC finished second for the week with 1.4 million viewers, followed by ESPN with 1.1 million watchers.

HGTV was the most watched entertainment-based network, averaging 936,000 viewers, followed by INSP with 803,000 viewers. Discovery Channel was sixth with 774,000, followed by Hallmark Channel (767,000 viewers), TLC (746,000), History (716,000) and CNN (657,000).

On a total day basis, Fox News finished first for the 25th consecutive week, followed by MSNBC (899,000 viewers), CNN (570,000), HGTV (516,000) and ESPN (492,000), said Nielsen. 

Fox News picked up its second straight ratings primetime win last week while ESPN continues its hot ratings run with support from its NHL Playoffs coverage.

Fox News averaged 2.2 million viewers in primetime for the week of June 6 to June 12 to top all cable networks, followed by ESPN, which finished with 1.7 million viewers, according to Nielsen. The sports network has now finished either in first or second place in primetime for four consecutive weeks. 

MSNBC was third for the week with 1.4 million viewers, followed by HGTV with 996,000 viewers and INSP with 911,000 watchers.

CNN was sixth with 851,000 viewers, followed by TNT (789,000 viewers), Discovery Channel (788,000), Hallmark Channel (751,000) and TLC (736,000).

Fox News was the most watched cable network on a 24-hour basis for the 23rd consecutive week, besting MSNBC (754,000 viewers), ESPN (567,000), HGTV (531,000) and CNN (499,000), said Nielsen. ■  

Also: Former Fox News Politics Editor Testifies at January 6 Committee Hearing 

Fox News Channel last week emerged as the most-watched cable network in primetime, breaking a four-week drought at the top spot.

The news network averaged 2 million viewers for the week of May 30 to June 5 to top last week’s winner, ESPN, which finished second with 1.5 million viewers, followed by TNT with 1.1 million viewers, according to Nielsen.

HGTV finished fourth with 983,000 viewers followed by History’s 842,000 watchers. Hallmark Channel (830,000 viewers), INSP (828,000), TLC (805,000), MSNBC (800,000) and Discovery Channel (737,000) rounded out the top 10 most watched cable networks in primetime last week.

Fox News blew away the competition in taking the top spot on the total day chart for the 22nd consecutive week. Fox News averaged 1.3 million viewers, more than doubling HGTV (562,000 viewers), MSNBC (556,000), ESPN (548,000) and Hallmark Channel (478,000), said Nielsen. ■

Western-themed network INSP will debut the second season of its original documentary series Wild West Chronicles on July 28. 

The series follows a newspaper reporter who travels the frontier during the late 1800s to uncover the truth behind the wildest tales of the West, according to the network. The network has already greenlit a third season of the series, which is the network’s most watched original show to date. 

“The debut of Wild West Chronicles had the distinction of being INSP’s highest-rated original series, and we’re looking to have even greater success with the second season,” INSP VP of original programming and development Craig Miller said in a statement. “Some of the little-known history behind the Old West’s most memorable tales that we’ll delve into this season includes learning who took the last shot at the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral; how a Texas Ranger finally stopped outlaws from cutting down fences; and why competing silver mining companies started a war underground.” ■ 

Also: INSP's Dale Ardizzone Rounds Up Audiences With Western Shows

The NBA and NHL playoffs continue to pay big dividends to TNT and ESPN as both networks landed at the top of the primetime chart last week.

TNT averaged 2.8 million viewers in primetime for the week of May 16 to May 22 to finish in first for the third straight week, followed by ESPN, which finished second with 2.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen. 

Fox News finished third in primetime with 2.2 million viewers, followed by MSNBC with 910,000 viewers and HGTV with 903,000 watchers. TLC pulled into sixth place with 804,000 viewers, followed by INSP (780,000 viewers), Hallmark Channel (758,000), History (672,000) and Food Network (659,000.)

On a 24-hour basis, Fox News won for the 20th consecutive week with 1.4 million viewers, followed by ESPN (831,000 viewers), TNT (788,000), MSNBC (603,000) and HGTV (526,000), according to network officials.   

The NBA and the NHL playoffs proved to be ratings juggernauts for TNT and ESPN as both networks placed among the top three most-watched services on the primetime and total day charts.

TNT finished in first place in primetime for the week of May 9 to May 15, averaging 3.4 million viewers, topping Fox News (2.2 million viewers) for the second straight week, according to Nielsen. The network was led by both its NBA and NHL playoff game coverage, including this past Sunday’s Dallas Mavericks-Phoenix Suns Game Seven NBA Western Conference semifinal series telecast which drew more than 6 million viewers, according to Nielsen. 

ESPN, which also televised several NBA and NHL playoffs games, averaged 2.1 million viewers to finish third for the week, followed by MSNBC’s 983,000 viewers and HGTV’s 927,000 watchers. 

TBS, which drew 2.3 million viewers for its May 15 New York Rangers-Pittsburgh Penguins Game Seven NHL playoffs telecast, averaged 821,000 viewers to finish in sixth place for the week, followed by INSP (764,000 viewers), Hallmark Channel (743,000), TLC (722,000) and History (721,000).

Fox News retained the total day crown for the 19th consecutive week with 1.4 million viewers, besting TNT (912,000 viewers), ESPN (757,000), MSNBC (621,000) and HGTV (502,000), reported Nielsen. 

Cable news and sports dominated the primetime ratings charts as Fox News and TNT continue to swap first place honors on a weekly basis.

Fox News finished with 2.3 million viewers during the week of April 25 to May 1, barely defeating last week’s winner, TNT, which averaged 2.2 million viewers, and ESPN, who finished in third place with 1.5 million watchers, according to Nielsen. Both TNT and ESPN benefited from their coverage of the NBA playoffs. 

Cable news network MSNBC finished fourth with 1.1 million viewers.

HGTV finished fifth with 1 million viewers, followed by INSP with 783,000. TLC (774,000), CNN (755,000), History (722,000) and Hallmark Channel (714,000) rounded out the top 10 most watched networks in primetime.

Fox News was the most watched network on a 24-hour basis for the 17th consecutive week with 1.4 million viewers, followed by TNT (732,000 viewers), MSNBC (686,000), ESPN (617,000) and HGTV (567,000). ■ 

Fox News Channel captured its third straight weekly primetime ratings title over sports-fueled cable networks.

Fox News averaged 2.2 million subscribers during the week of April 11 to April 17, besting NBA playoffs-boosted TNT (1.4 million viewers) and ESPN (1.2 million viewers), Nielsen reported. News network MSNBC was fourth with 1.2 million subscribers.

HGTV finished fifth with 971,000 watchers, followed by INSP (860,000); History and TLC (tied with 833,000); Food Network (778,000); and Discovery Channel (753,000).

Three cable news networks occupied the top weekly ratings spots on a 24-hour basis, with Fox News leading the way with 1.5 million viewers, followed by MSNBC (671,000) and CNN (592,000). TNT (587,000) and ESPN (569,000) rounded out the top five most-watched networks in the category, per Nielsen. ▪️ 

Fox News Channel kept its place atop the weekly primetime basic-cable ratings, defeating March Madness-infused TBS for the second straight week.

Fox News averaged 2.3 million viewers in primetime for the week of April 4-10 to finish first, ahead of TBS (1.5 million viewers) and TNT (1.2 million). Both TBS and TNT were aided by the combined 17 million viewers who tuned into the networks’ simulcast with truTV of the April 4 Kanasas-North Carolina NCAA Men‘s Basketball Tournament title game, according to Nielsen.

HGTV and ESPN finished tied for fourth place with 1.1 million viewers, while MSNBC grabbed the sixth spot with 1 million viewers. TLC (935,000 viewers), Hallmark Channel (853,000), INSP (817,000) and Food Network (761,000) rounded out the top 10 most-watched cable networks.

Fox News won its 15th straight weekly total-day ratings crown with an average of 1.5 million viewers. Finishing well off the pace were MSNBC (660,000 viewers), ESPN (654,000), HGTV (592,000), and CNN (586,000), Nielsen said. ▪️

Fox News Channel returned to the top of basic cable‘s primetime ratings chart last week, ousting last week’s winner TBS for top honors, Nielsen reported. 

Fox News averaged 2.5 million viewers in primetime for the week of March 28 to April 3, besting TBS, which rode its coverage of the NCAA men's basketball Final Four to an average of 2 million viewers, according to Nielsen. ESPN, boosted by its women’s college basketball tournament coverage, finished third with 1.7 million viewers, followed by TNT’s 1.5 million watchers. MSNBC pulled into fifth place with 1.1 million viewers.

HGTV (1 million viewers), TLC (890,000), INSP (822,000), History (812,000) and Discovery Channel (741,000) finished among the top 10 most watched networks for the week.

Fox News dusted the competition on a 24-hour basis, averaging 1.6 million viewers to finish first for the 14th straight week in 2022. MSNBC, TBS, CNN and HGTV finished well off the pace for the week, Nielsen said. ■ 

TBS rode its March Madness basketball tournament coverage to a first place finish on last week’s cable primetime ratings chart, according to Nielsen.

TBS, which air live games from rounds three and four of the men’s college basketball tournament, averaged 2.9 million viewers in primetime for the week of March 21 to March 27, stopping Fox News’ nine-week winning streak in the category. The cable news network finished second with 2.9 million viewers, followed by MSNBC and HGTV, which tied with 1.1 million viewers. 

CNN finished fifth with 889,000 viewers, followed by ESPN (862,000 viewers), TLC (840,000), INSP (774,000), Discovery Channel (768,000) and History (748,000), said Nielsen.  

Fox News held off TBS on a total day basis to remain undefeated in 2022. MSNBC, CNN and HGTV rounded out the top five most watched networks in the category, reported Nielsen. ■  

Fox News remained cable's most watched network in primetime last week despite a charge from several networks airing March Madness basketball tournament games, according to Nielsen.

Fox News drew 2.5 million viewers for the week of March 14 to March 20 to remain in first place in primetime for the ninth consecutive week, according to Nielsen. TBS (1.8 million viewers), TNT (1.5 million) and truTV (1.1 million) – all of which aired early round coverage of the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament – finished second, third and fourth, respectively.

HGTV, MSNBC and CNN all tied for fifth with 1 million viewers, followed by INSP (891,000 viewers), TLC (863,000) and Food Network (821,000).

On a 24-hour basis, Fox News, CNN and MSNBC continued to dominate the top three spots with continued breaking news coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. TBS and TNT rounded out the top five in the category, according to Nielsen. ■

Fox News Channel‘s continuing coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine helped the network stave off a challenge from ESPN to finish first on last week's primetime ratings chart.

Fox News averaged 2.8 million viewers during the week of March 7 to March 13 to top ESPN, which finished second with 1.4 million viewers, according to Nielsen. MSNBC finished third with 1.2 million viewers, followed by CNN and HGTV, which tied for fourth place with 1.1 million watchers.

TNT (868,000 viewers), Hallmark Channel (856,000), INSP (832,000), Food Network (804,000) and History (796,000) rounded out the top 10 most-watched cable networks in primetime.

Also: Fox News Consultant Sasha Kuvshynova Killed in Ukraine

The three cable news networks, led by Fox News, took the top spots on the total day chart. Fox News averaged 1.8 million viewers, followed by CNN (887,000 viewers) and MSNBC (771,000). ESPN (686,000) and HGTV (573,000) followed closely behind, according to Nielsen. ■

The cable news networks, bolstered by coverage of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, locked in the top slots on both the primetime and total day cable charts last week, according to Nielsen.

Fox News led the pack with an average of 3.5 million viewers in primetime for the week of February 28 to March 6, reported Nielsen. Along with its Ukraine coverage, Fox News was led by its March 1 coverage of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, which drew 7.2 million viewers. CNN finished second with 1.8 million viewers for the week, followed by MSNBC with 1.6 million viewers. 

ESPN was fourth with 1.3 million viewers, followed by HGTV’s 1 million watchers. Food Network (823,000 viewers), TLC (816,000), History (810,000), Discovery Channel (796,000) and Hallmark Channel (769,000) rounded out the top 10 most-watched networks for the week. 

Fox News, CNN and MSNBC also held the top three spots on the total day chart, followed by HGTV, ESPN, Hallmark Channel, Food Network, INSP , TV Land and History, said Nielsen. ■   

TNT’s NBA All-Star Game audience wasn’t big enough to help dethrone Fox News Channel from the top of Nielsen‘s weekly primetime ratings charts. 

Fox News averaged 2.4 million viewers in primetime during the week of February 14 to February 20 to top the chart for the fifth straight week, said Nielsen. TNT, propelled by its coverage of NBA All-Star Weekend, moved into second place with 2 million viewers. 

MSNBC and HGTV tied for third place with 1 million viewers, followed by USA Network with 997,000 viewers. Hallmark Channel finished sixth with 959,000 viewers, followed by History (926,000), TLC (899,000), INSP (861,000) and ESPN (841,000).

Fox News blew out the rest of the field on a 24-hour basis, averaging 1.5 million viewers in winning its seventh straight week. MSNBC finished a distant second with 659,000, followed by USA Network (627,000 viewers), HGTV (575,000) and TNT (559,000), Nielsen reported. ■

Fox News continued its run of weekly primetime and total day ratings wins while USA Network finished a strong second with its Winter Olympics coverage, according to network officials.

Fox News averaged 2.3 million viewers in primetime during the week of February 7-February 13 to top all cable networks for the fourth straight week, reported Nielsen. USA Network finished second for the second straight week, averaging 1.5 million viewers, followed by MSNBC, which averaged 1 million viewers.

INSP pulled into fourth place with 933,000 viewers, followed by Hallmark Channel with 895,000. Rounding out the top 10 most-watched networks for the week were HGTV (888,000 viewers), History (760,000), ESPN (745,000), Discovery Channel (665,000) and TNT (634,000).

Fox News was the most watched network on a 24-hour basis for the sixth straight week with an average of 1.4 million viewers. USA Network (948,000), MSNBC (621,000), HGTV (517,000) and Hallmark Channel (500,000) followed closely behind, according to Nielsen. ■

Fox News held off a strong charge by Winter Olympics-fueled USA Network to continue its run at the top of the cable ratings charts, according to Nielsen.

Fox News averaged 2.5 million viewers in primetime during the week of January 31-February 6 to take its third consecutive primetime ratings crown, Nielsen reported. USA Network, on the strength of its Winter Olympics coverage, finished second with 1.3 million viewers.

MSNBC was third for the week with 1.2 million viewers followed by HGTV with 1.1 million viewers and ESPN with 999,000 watchers. TLC (942,000 viewers), INSP (937,000), Hallmark Channel (834,000), History (817,000) and Food Network (746,000) rounded out the top 10 most watched networks in primetime.

Fox News topped the total day charts for the fifth consecutive week with 1.5 million viewers, followed by USA Network (811,000), MSNBC (690,000), HGTV (628,000), and ESPN (550,000), said Nielsen. ■ 

Fox News ended January with easy wins in both the primetime and total day categories, according to Nielsen. 

Fox News averaged 2.4 million viewers in primetime during the week of January 24 to January 30, winning its second straight week in the category by doubling the 1.2 million viewers generated by both MSNBC and HGTV, reported Nielsen. TNT finished fourth with 963,000 viewers, followed by Hallmark Channel with 949,000 million watchers.

ESPN finished sixth with 936,000 viewers, followed by Lifetime (922,000 viewers), TLC (882,000), INSP (842,000) and History (831,000).

On a 24-hour basis, Fox News averaged 1.5 million viewers, beating out MSNBC (675,000 viewers), HGTV (645,000), ESPN (579,000), and Hallmark Channel (529,000).