How Tired Are You of Hearing About the Pandemic?
By Allyson Vannatta, Senior Writer
Network news programs are beginning to experience signs of pandemic fatigue as ratings fall for the first time since the coronavirus hit America in March.
Since mid-March, the three evening broadcast news shows, ABC WORLD NEWS TONIGHT, NBC NIGHTLY NEWS and the CBS EVENING NEWS produced their highest ratings in 10 years.
Pew Research showed that 87% of Americans were following the news on the novel coronavirus. Of that, 56% said they received COVID-19 news from a national network.
Now, more than two months into stay-at-home orders, it seems possible fatigue could be setting in for the news programs.
According to Forbes, the first two weeks of May have shown declines from the beginning of April. Fox News is -14%, MSNBC is -11% and CNN is -23%. In primetime, Fox News was -2%, MSNBC was -10% and CNN was -21%.
Furthermore, since the first week of the pandemic, the three nightly news programs have seen steady declines as the weeks continue.[socialpoll id=”2643615″]
In a survey done by Pew Research, results showed that 71% of Americans need a break from pandemic-related news. Another 43% say pandemic news makes them feel worse emotionally.
The news isn’t the only broadcast programming seeing a drop in ratings.
Movieguide® previously reported that remotely produced television shows were also seeing a decline in viewership.
When Americans were forced into their homes in mid-March, streaming and media consumption skyrocketed. Over the last month, the amount of content people are consuming has dropped 12%, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
With warmer weather making its way across the country, many people could now be spending more of their time outside with family.
Likewise, some states have started to get back to a new normal with restrictions lifting and public places opening back up, so media consumers are watching less television.
Either way, the entertainment industry continues to try to set new standards and hope to be up and running for when fall television makes its comeback.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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