CNN’s viewership has reportedly plummeted to historic lows in recent years, with its primetime audience reportedly hitting the smallest numbers since 1991 as of May 2024. According to the Daily Caller, this sharp decline has sparked harsh criticism from former employees who describe the ratings performance as “disastrously bad” and express frustration with the current direction of the network.
Industry insiders and former CNN staffers attribute the steep drop in ratings to several factors, including changes in programming choices, editorial direction, and competition from alternative news sources. The network’s inability to retain its core viewers and attract new audiences appears to have intensified internal dissatisfaction.
Some ex-CNN personnel candidly criticized management decisions they believe undermined the network’s credibility and appeal. They suggested that CNN’s attempts to pivot or broaden its coverage may have alienated longtime viewers and diminished the brand’s distinctiveness in a crowded media landscape.
Experts observe that the media industry at large is facing challenges with shifting viewer preferences, but CNN’s struggles stand out due to its formerly popular position. Declining ratings not only affect advertising revenue but also impact the network’s influence. As CNN navigates this turbulent period, internal voices and public commentators continue to scrutinize its strategic choices and question whether the network can regain its footing amid changing media consumption habits.
Former CNN staffer Oliver Darcy suggested on a July 24 appearance on the ‘Sanity’ podcast that CNN’s executives were to blame for the drop in ratings due to their “softer’ coverage of President Trump.
“I think in reality, though, there’s a lot to be worried about in what’s going on in this administration,” Darcy said. “And by toning down, I’m not really sure this is the time to tone down. This is actually a very worrisome time in American politics and democracy. And Donald Trump is assaulting pretty much every tenet of this country, whether it’s Harvard or other education institutions or the media institutions or warping the FBI or with the Department of Health and Human Services. I mean, like you go down the list and there’s a lot of alarming things happening in all these agencies and a lot of assaults on just common American principles.”
“And so is it the time to be, I don’t know, more moderate in your tone?” Darcy continued. “I don’t know, I would disagree.”
According to the Daily Caller, Darcy announced his departure from CNN in August 2024 after working at the network for seven years.
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