The Most Popular Cable News Network, Ranked

Choose the cable news network you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:32
In an age when news is a constant and crucial part of our daily lives, cable news networks feed us with timely information and diverse viewpoints. Determining which network does this most effectively and appeals to the widest audience gives us insight into public trust and viewer satisfaction. A live ranking of these networks helps highlight which ones are performing well and why, offering a pulse on current media trends. By voting on your preferred cable news network, you contribute to a dynamic tally that reflects real-time preferences and opinions across various demographics. This isn't just about personal favorites; it's an opportunity to shape an understanding of where people turn for news in turbulent times. Your participation ensures that the ranking is kept fresh and relevant, providing a valuable resource for all.

What Is the Most Popular Cable News Network?

  1. 1
    25
    votes

    Fox News

    Rupert Murdoch
    Fox News is the most popular cable news network in America. It has been the highest-rated cable news channel for over 20 years and has a loyal conservative viewership.
    Fox News is a popular cable network in the United States known for its conservative news coverage and political commentary. It was created by Rupert Murdoch and launched on October 7, 1996. With a large viewership, it has become one of the most influential news networks in American media.
    • Launch Date: October 7, 1996
    • Network Type: Cable
    • Focus: Conservative news coverage and political commentary
    • Viewership: Large
    • Influence: High
    Fox News in other rankings
  2. 2
    19
    votes

    CNN

    CNN is a popular cable news network that is known for its 24-hour news coverage. It has won numerous awards for its journalism and has a strong digital presence.
    CNN is a popular news blog that delivers up-to-date and reliable news from around the world. It covers a wide range of topics including politics, business, technology, entertainment, and more. The blog is known for its extensive coverage, breaking news alerts, and in-depth analysis.
    • Launch Date: June 1, 1980
    • Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
    • Website: https://www.cnn.com
    • Ownership: WarnerMedia News & Sports
    • Availability: Worldwide
  3. 3
    18
    votes
    MSNBC is a popular cable news network that has a left-leaning bias. It is known for its prime-time opinion shows and has a strong online following.
    MSNBC is a popular cable news network known for its progressive and liberal-leaning content. It provides 24/7 coverage of news, politics, and current events from a predominantly left-leaning perspective. The network aims to deliver news analysis and opinionated commentary, often featuring panel discussions and debate among its hosts and guests.
    • Launch Date: July 15, 1996
    • Headquarters: New York City, United States
    • Broadcast Area: United States, Parts of Canada, Worldwide online streaming
    • Owner: NBCUniversal (Comcast)
    • Slogan: "This Is Who We Are", "The Place for Politics", "Lean Forward"
  4. 4
    18
    votes
    CNBC is a popular cable news network that focuses on business and financial news. It is known for its market coverage and has a strong online presence.
    CNBC (Consumer News and Business Channel) is a popular cable news network that focuses on business and financial news. It provides comprehensive coverage of the global financial markets, with a particular emphasis on stock markets, economic indicators, and corporate news. CNBC offers live market updates, expert analysis, and interviews with top business leaders and policymakers.
    • Launch Date: April 17, 1989
    • Headquarters: Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, United States
    • Slogan: First in Business Worldwide
    • Language: English
    • Broadcast Area: Worldwide
  5. 5
    21
    votes

    HLN

    HLN is a popular cable news network that focuses on true crime stories and investigative journalism. It has a loyal following and is known for its in-depth reporting.
    HLN, formerly known as Headline News, is a popular cable news network in the United States. It focuses on delivering news in a fast-paced format with a strong emphasis on headlines and breaking stories. HLN covers a wide range of topics including current affairs, politics, entertainment, crime, and human interest stories. The network aims to provide viewers with concise updates and analysis to stay informed with the latest news.
    • Launch Date: January 1, 1982
    • Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
    • Language: English
    • Country of Origin: United States
    • Availability: International
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    BBC World News is a popular cable news network that provides international news coverage. It is known for its unbiased reporting and has a strong online presence.
    BBC World News is a 24-hour international news channel that provides unbiased and comprehensive coverage of news from around the world. It is the international counterpart to the BBC News channel in the UK.
    • Launch Date: April 16, 1991
    • Broadcast Area: Worldwide
    • Coverage: Global news and current affairs
    • Language: English, with some programs in other languages
    • Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
  7. 7
    7
    votes
    Al Jazeera English is a popular cable news network that provides international news coverage. It is known for its in-depth reporting and has won numerous awards for its journalism.
    Al Jazeera English is an international cable news network headquartered in Doha, Qatar. It was launched on November 15, 2006, as the English-language counterpart to the Arabic-language Al Jazeera. The network aims to provide an alternative perspective on global events, with a focus on news from the Global South. Al Jazeera English has gained a reputation for its in-depth reporting, investigative journalism, and coverage of underreported stories.
    • Headquarters: Doha, Qatar
    • Launched: November 15, 2006
    • Language: English
    • Focus: Global news
    • Sister Channels: Al Jazeera Arabic, Al Jazeera Balkans, Al Jazeera Mubasher, Al Jazeera Documentary Channel
    Al Jazeera English in other rankings
  8. 8
    3
    votes

    One America News Network

    Robert Herring, Sr.
    One America News Network is a popular cable news network that has a conservative bias. It is known for its opinion shows and has a loyal following among conservative viewers.
    One America News Network (OANN) is a popular cable news network known for its conservative-leaning content and alternative news coverage. It was launched on July 4, 2013, by Robert Herring, Sr. with the aim of providing a platform for conservative voices and perspectives. OANN has gained a significant following for its outspoken and often controversial commentary on politics, current events, and social issues. The network offers a mix of news programming, talk shows, and documentaries.
    • Launch Date: July 4, 2013
    • Political Orientation: Conservative
    • Programming: News, Talk Shows, Documentaries
    • Target Audience: Conservative viewers
    • Headquarters: San Diego, California
  9. 9
    8
    votes

    Newsmax TV

    Christopher Ruddy
    Newsmax TV is a popular cable news network that has a conservative bias. It is known for its opinion shows and has a loyal following among conservative viewers.
    Newsmax TV is a conservative American cable news channel that focuses on news, opinion, and analysis. It covers a wide range of topics including politics, national news, business, health, and more.
    • Founder: Christopher Ruddy
    • Launch Date: June 16, 2014
    • Headquarters: Boca Raton, Florida
    • Target Audience: Conservative viewers
    • Distribution: Available on cable and satellite systems
    Newsmax TV in other rankings
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    RT America is a popular cable news network that provides international news coverage. It is known for its alternative viewpoints and has a strong online presence.
    RT America (RT) is a cable news network that provides alternative perspectives and coverage of news and current events. It focuses on international affairs, politics, and the global economy, presenting viewpoints that differ from mainstream media sources. RT America aims to challenge the established narratives and encourage critical thinking among viewers.
    • Launch Date: December 2010
    • Broadcast Area: United States
    • Language: English
    • Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
    • Political Affiliation: Generally regarded as pro-Russian and promoting the Russian government's point of view

Missing your favorite cable news network?

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Ranking factors for popular cable news network

  1. Audience demographics
    Different cable news networks may cater to different age groups, political leanings, or other characteristics of their audiences. Paying attention to these demographics can help determine the popularity of a network within specific segments of the population.
  2. Trust and credibility
    A network's reputation plays a significant role in its popularity. The more trustworthy and credible a network is perceived to be, the more likely viewers will choose to watch its programming and rely on it for accurate news information.
  3. Online presence and social media engagement
    In today's digital age, a strong online presence is crucial for a cable news network's popularity. This includes having a well-designed website, engaging content, social media presence, and a large number of followers and engagement on social media platforms.
  4. Programming variety and quality
    Popularity is also determined by the network's ability to offer diverse and engaging content. This may include a mix of news programs, opinion shows, special-interest pieces, and investigative reporting. The quality of the content also significantly influences the network's popularity.
  5. Awards and recognition
    Recognitions and accolades, such as journalism awards, can build credibility for a cable news network and contribute to its popularity.
  6. Channel availability and accessibility
    The more widely available a network is, the more likely it is to build a larger viewership. This includes being available on various cable packages and streaming services, making it accessible to a broader audience.
  7. Influential hosts and personalities
    Well-respected and influential news anchors, hosts, and commentators can draw in viewers and contribute to a network's popularity.
  8. Advertising revenue
    Advertising is a significant source of income for cable news networks, and high advertising rates can indicate a network's popularity as advertisers are more willing to spend money on popular platforms.
  9. Market share
    Comparing the market share of different cable news networks can provide insight into their relative popularity among competitors. A network that consistently maintains a substantial market share over time is likely to be viewed as more popular than its rivals.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular cable news network. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or network is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1046 views
  • 135 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each network once every 24 hours. The rank of each network is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular cable news network

Cable news networks have become a staple in the media landscape, providing viewers with 24-hour news coverage on a variety of topics. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, these networks have become a go-to source for millions of viewers across the country. But which network is the most popular? According to recent surveys and ratings, there are a few clear frontrunners in the cable news market. Let's take a closer look at the most popular cable news networks and what sets them apart from their competitors.

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