Fox News host Harris Faulkner recently received remarkable news that is likely to provoke strong reactions from liberal audiences. For the first time, her program, “The Faulkner Focus,” surpassed the viewership of ABC’s daytime talk show “The View,” as reported by Forbes.
Faulkner expressed her appreciation on X, stating, “Heartfelt gratitude to the beloved viewers of FOX and Faulkner Focus. And big thanks to Forbes for showing our 11am ET daytime team some love.” This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering that “The View” has a broader reach due to its availability on broadcast television, while Faulkner’s show is limited to cable subscribers, a demographic that is shrinking as more individuals opt to discontinue traditional cable services.
“I could not achieve this significant milestone without my wonderful team,” Faulkner remarked to Forbes. “It reflects the dedication and enthusiasm we invest in providing Americans with the latest news and insights on the issues that matter most to them. The Faulkner Focus serves as a platform where viewers can expect their inquiries regarding current events to be addressed with respect for all perspectives, and we take pride in the continued preference of our audience at 11 a.m.”
Additionally, Fox News experienced its most successful month to date, with its primetime programs averaging 2.8 million viewers, including 353,000 in the key demographic of adults aged 25-54, which is highly sought after by advertisers.
“As we celebrate 23 years as America’s leading cable news network, I want to extend my gratitude to our exceptional team, both in front of and behind the camera, for their commitment to delivering top-quality news,” stated Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott. “Each year, we reach new heights, innovate, and outperform our competitors thanks to their relentless efforts, and I could not be prouder.”
In contrast, other networks are facing challenges. Senior executives at CNN and NBC have announced plans to lay off hundreds of employees as part of an initiative to modernize their business model, although these cuts will not currently affect on-air talent.
CNN’s CEO Mark Thompson informed employees on Thursday about impending job reductions, corroborating a report from CNBC the previous day. In his memo, Thompson indicated that while job cuts are forthcoming, the organization does not foresee a substantial decline in overall staffing levels this year, as it intends to allocate $70 million towards new digital projects.
Thompson acknowledged the profound impact that job losses can have on individuals, stating, “The process of change is essential if we’re to thrive in the future, but I both acknowledge and regret its very real human consequences.”
The cable network is expected to implement a workforce reduction of approximately 6 percent, translating to around 210 positions. These layoffs coincide with CNN’s efforts to reorganize its linear television programming and enhance its digital subscription services. Sources familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity, indicated that the cuts aim to lower production expenses and optimize operations. Additionally, some programs currently produced in New York or Washington may be shifted to Atlanta, where production costs are more economical.
It is anticipated that the layoffs will not affect CNN’s prominent on-air talent, who are secured by contracts. As reported by CNBC, CNN employs roughly 3,500 individuals worldwide.
Furthermore, CNN has unveiled several new initiatives in its staff memo, including the development of a novel approach for digital subscribers to access CNN content beyond the CNN Max platform, which is part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s broader Max streaming service.
