Fox News’ highly anticipated debate between Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom garnered a staggering 5.46 million viewers, making it a resounding success for the network. Of these viewers, 4.75 million watched the live telecast, while 706,000 caught the rebroadcast.
The debate not only captivated the audience, but it also gave a significant ratings boost to Sean Hannity, whose show coincided with the event. As a result, Fox News emerged victorious for the night, averaging an impressive 3.87 million viewers. In comparison, MSNBC trailed with 1.34 million viewers, while CNN had a significantly lower audience with 513,000 viewers.
This debate, centered around comparing important issues such as crime, immigration, and education in the states of California and Florida, drew considerable attention from viewers across various platforms. In fact, the recent Republican primary debate, which aired across NBC, streaming services, and digital platforms, attracted a massive 7.51 million viewers.
When it came to the specific demographics, the Fox News debate excelled. In the crucial 25-54 age range, it garnered 742,000 viewers, while MSNBC and CNN fell far behind with 123,000 and 103,000 viewers, respectively. This further solidifies Fox News’ hold on its target audience.
Notably, the debate was also a significant win for Hannity, as it marked his highest-rated telecast this year. Immediately following the event, Hannity’s recap at 10:30 p.m. ET drew 3.41 million viewers, with 541,000 falling within the prized 25-54 demographic.
These impressive ratings were provided by Nielsen through both Fox News and MSNBC, illustrating the widespread interest and engagement surrounding this debate. With its dedicated viewership and high-profile guests, Fox News continues to dominate the news landscape, solidifying its position as a leader in political coverage.
