Posted on 11/28/2024 10:56:43 AM PST by Signalman
The Hallmark Channel has quietly surged past MSNBC and CNN in ratings during a season dominated by festive films. Known for its feel-good holiday programming, the network has steadily climbed the viewership ranks since the launch of its Christmas movie lineup on October 18.
According to Nielsen data, Hallmark averaged 526,000 viewers at any given time during the week of November 18 to 24. The impressive figure made the network the third most-watched cable channel overall, trailing only Fox News and ESPN. By comparison, MSNBC pulled in 458,000 viewers during the same period, while CNN lagged behind with 314,000.
The leap in popularity is notable, considering Hallmark ranked as the seventh most popular total-day channel during the week of its lineup’s debut according to Forbes. Back then, it averaged 387,000 viewers—a respectable number that has since ballooned thanks to its seasonal content.
The debut weekend of its first new Christmas movies made it the No. 1 entertainment cable network among women aged 18 and older. It surpassed competitors like HGTV, Investigation Discovery, and TLC, proving that its formula of romance, family, and holiday magic continues to resonate.
Hallmark’s ratings triumph also comes at a time when traditional news channels like MSNBC and CNN are grappling with fluctuating viewership in the wake of the presidential election.
Both networks have experienced notable drops in audience numbers. MSNBC’s total audience nearly halved post-Election Day, with star anchor Rachel Maddow seeing a 41% decrease in viewers, affecting her program’s performance, especially in the key 25-54 demographic. The network as a whole has faced a 47% drop in total-day viewers according to The New York Post.
With ratings in free fall after Trump’s decisive victory, insiders say the network is preparing for a major overhaul. Changes include programming shakeups, shifting roles for household names, and, notably, a significant pay cut for MSNBC’s star anchor, Rachel Maddow.
Maddow, who once commanded a staggering $30 million annual salary, has reportedly re-upped her contract for a fraction of that amount. She has renegotiated her contract for a $25 million salary over the next five years. According to The Ankler, Maddow’s deal was quietly renewed earlier this fall under vastly different terms.
“This is a difficult time and they needed to keep her,” an executive explained to The Ankler. “No one else can do what she does. You can’t build a brand like it overnight.” Another executive referred to Maddow as “ratings Viagra.”
Similarly, CNN’s ratings have significantly diminished since the 2016 election, with their primetime viewership falling from 13.3 million to approximately 800,000. The network has undergone leadership upheavals, notably with the departure of former president Chris Licht, who has blamed a profile piece for contributing to his termination.
A piece by ‘The Atlantic’ ultimately played a significant role in his downfall. The profile painted a picture of Licht as out of touch with CNN staff and struggling to manage the network effectively. This sparked widespread criticism and intensified internal backlash, eventually leading to his dismissal in June.
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Bwahahahahahaha! Too funny.
How can MadCow possibly get by with only 5 million a year. I think the Professional Bowling channel probably beats MSNBC.
I thinkI heard that she will just be getting 5 million less than she is making now.
Hallmark should make a Christmas movie about the rise and fall of a cable TV commentator.
The folks from CNN and MSNBC could watch it and cry.
Tee
Hee!
That’s just sad. 😆
Americans are back into the greatness of living in America again and the joy and happiness we have. The miserable evil days of the O’Bama, Biden and Harris days are over. The Sun is shining on America again!
Yes the propaganda markets plummet due to 4 years of it.
Given that it’s Hallmark, there has to be a happy ending. Perhaps the commentator could move to a small town, take a job in a diner, and finally understand what real America is all about.
RE: (Maddow contract) “This is a difficult time and they needed to keep her,” an executive explained....
Should have figured out the sinking ship isn’t helped by more Maddow.
“You can have her, I don’t want her, she’s too woke for me.”
Adapted from Too Fat Polka by Frankie Yankovic
Photo....
Guy in window booth to his wife: “I sent links of Kamala’s talk about keeping power to all the kids and grandkids and my buddies. So darn inspiring, even now I get—, I—, I get choked up. If only she had been given more time to win that election. And if the news media have given her some support.”
Wife: “Now you’re lost for another hour. Just try to enjoy the meal, dear.”
RE: Maddow cut by $5 million, still gets $25 million....
Story confirmed. Saw her with a shopping cart and big plastic lawn bags as she peered into garbage dumpsters for returnables. She’ll get through this thing.
Yes, she's making $25m a year. She was belly-aching because she had to take a $5m pay cut from her previous $30m. The mind boggles.
Just wait till Superbowl Sunday next February.
The Puppy Bowl will outdo MSNBC for viewers.
our local TV station’s midnight test pattern probably could out-rank MSNBC or CNN
I would much rather watch Hallmark romances than CNN or MSNBC. Hallmark has pleasant fiction, but the other two stations carry unpleasant fiction.
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