Why Has MSNBC Lost Viewers Since Donald Trump's Election Day Victory?
The recent decline in viewership of MSNBC following Donald Trump's victory on Election Day is a topic of much discussion. While the shift in ratings is notable, especially when compared to the strong ratings of traditional networks like ABC News, NBC, and CBS, the reasons behind this trend are multifaceted and often nuanced.
Public Dissatisfaction with MSNBC's Coverage
For many viewers, the change in MSNBC's ratings is more a reflection of their dissatisfaction with the network's portrayal of the election and post-election content. This dissatisfaction stems from the perception that MSNBC has provided a skewed and biased perspective, particularly in the run-up to the election and post-election commentary on Trump's cabinet selections.
The scandalous rhetoric and outright lies that MSNBC has been accused of disseminating have led to a credibility crisis. Viewers are increasingly turning to other news sources, such as Fox News, for more balanced and trustworthy information. In fact, many viewers have pointed out that Fox News, which is often viewed as more conservative, has not only maintained strong ratings but has also risen to the top of the ratings charts in recent years.
The Rise of Fox News and the Decline of MSNBC
According to ratings data, Fox News has emerged as the most-watched cable news network. When compared with MSNBC's less-than-stellar performance, this shift is striking. For instance, during the 2016 election, MSNBC was the leader in cable news ratings, but this leadership position has since waned. A recent Nielsen report showed that Fox News outperforms MSNBC not only in total viewership but also in key demographic segments.
Another factor contributing to MSNBC's decline is the network's perceived bias. Many view MSNBC as a “woke liberal cult” that is out of touch with the majority of Americans. This perception is based on the criticism that MSNBC's coverage of the election was heavily anti-Trump and its commentary on Trump's cabinet picks was highly critical and often negative. Some argue that MSNBC's relentless critique of Trump and his policies would take its toll on viewers, leading them to seek alternative sources of information.
The Perception of 'Fake News'
One of the key drivers behind the viewership decline is the rise of the “Fake News” narrative. Following Donald Trump's criticism of media outlets as disseminators of falsehoods, some of MSNBC's coverage has been met with skepticism. The network's reporting on Trump and his campaign has been scrutinized and often labeled as biased and unreliable. In light of this, some viewers have become disillusioned with the content provided by MSNBC, choosing instead to watch Fox News for more objective and less polarized information.
In summary, the decline in MSNBC's viewership since Trump's election victory is the result of a combination of factors, including the network's biased coverage, the rise of Fox News as a more trusted source of news, and the broader debate around the concept of fake news. As political landscapes continue to shift, it will be interesting to see how both networks adapt to the changing landscape of news consumption.
Keywords: MSNBC viewership decline, Donald Trump, Fake News, Fox News, MSNBC coverage