Americans are exhausted by political news. TV ratings and a new AP-NORC poll show they’re tuning out
Associated PressDec 25, 2024
Poll: Post US Election News Fatigue Drives Massive Viewer Exodus
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Above: People watch the ABC News presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump at a debate watch party at The Abbey on Sept.10, 2024, in West Hollywood, California. Image copyright: Mario Tama/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
According to a December AP-NORC poll, about two-thirds of American adults report needing to limit their political media consumption due to mental exhaustion and information overload.
MSNBC's prime-time viewership plummeted 54% to 620K viewers after election night, while CNN dropped 45% to 405K viewers.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The media's obsessive focus on election coverage has backfired, driving viewers away and damaging their ratings. To regain audience trust and engagement, networks must shift toward more substantive issue-based coverage rather than personality-driven political drama.
Pro-establishment narrative
The viewership changes reflect natural post-election patterns and temporary political exhaustion rather than a fundamental problem with news coverage. Historical patterns show audiences typically return when new administrations take office, especially among opposition viewers.