CNN's biggest star sees ratings plummet
Anderson Cooper, considered a budding star in broadcast news, is having trouble keeping viewers.
CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," which airs nightly at 10 p.m., has declined 62% in total viewers and 70% in the coveted 25-54 demographic from this time last year, Nielsen numbers reveal. Last month, Cooper's ratings trailed repeats of MSNBC's "Countdtown" and HLN's Nancy Grace show in the 25-54 demo, though he topped both programs in total viewers.
Fox's "On the Record," hosted by CNN alum Greta Van Susteren, maintains a dominating lead at 10 p.m, besting the viewership of its three competitors combined.
Not all the news is negative for CNN, which in November stopped a months-long slide in the prime time ratings among adults 25-54. Still, its ratings pale in comparison to Fox, which has three times the viewership in the ad-friendly demo.
CNN President Jon Klein has said the network remains committed to straight news over opinion even though its rivals, left-leaning MSNBC and right-skewing FOX, have profited from a more partisan approach.
About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
