As Fox Gets a Trump Bump, Bret Baier Closes In on His Broadcast Rivals
Posted on: Mar 21, 2025 03:19 IST | Posted by: Nytimes
Supported by
“I father’t conceive it’s badness to feature the commander in chief be a regular viewer of the show,” the anchor said in an interview.
Michael Grynbaum is a correspondent covering the intersection of media and politics.
For all the vast changes in the American media landscape, one decades-old truism had remained: The traditional nightly newscasts on ABC, NBC and CBS are the most-watched television news programs on any given day of the week.
In the second Trump administration, that is no longer always the case.
Fox News’s evening newscast, “Special Report,” hosted by Bret Baier, beat “CBS Evening News” on Tuesday. And not by a little. The back half of Mr. Baier’s show, which airs from 6:30 to 7 Eastern time, was seen by 1.8 million more people than CBS’s 6:30 newscast, a 47 percent advantage.
It was the second time in recent weeks that Mr. Baier, a cable news anchor, had edged out his old-school competition. His Feb. 28 program, which featured an interview with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine hours after Mr. Zelensky’s fateful White House meeting with President Trump, also drew higher ratings than “CBS Evening News.”
The audience for each of the ABC, CBS and NBC nightly newscasts is still almost always bigger than it is for Fox News in the same time slot. But in 2025, Mr. Baier is nipping at their heels. He is beating the top-rated newscast, ABC’s “World News Tonight,” in close to a dozen regional markets, and his viewership has outstripped “NBC Nightly News” in some major East Coast metropolitan areas, according to Nielsen.
What’s behind the surge? One explanation is the profound shift in how Americans consume news and information, as trust in traditional media outlets has fallen to record lows. Another is the success of Fox News itself, whose plethora of pro-Trump opinion shows — including, as of last month, a program hosted by the president’s daughter-in-law — have enjoyed record ratings since Mr. Trump’s re-election.
CBS, which changed “Evening News” anchors in January after the exit of Norah O’Donnell, is also struggling with a new format that has failed to entice viewers. The show, which trailed ABC and NBC before the change, has fallen even further behind.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.