Weekly Cable Ratings: Fox News, MSNBC Top Ratings Charts

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ESPN finishes second in primetime

Fox News covers the Republican Convention
(Image credit: Fox News)

The cable news networks regained their hold on the weekly cable network primetime and total day crowns during the first week of December.

Fox News was the most watched cable network in primetime during the week of Nov. 30 to Dec. 6, averaging 2.7 million viewers, according to Nielsen. ESPN, which finished first in the category a week ago, came in second with 2.5 million viewers, followed by MSNBC (2.2 million), CNN (1.8 million) and Hallmark Channel (1.6 million), said Nielsen. 

MSNBC was the most watched network on a total day basis, averaging 1.3 million viewers. Fox News, CNN, Hallmark Channel -- last week's category leader -- and ESPN rounded out the top five, according to Nielsen.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.