Part 4/6:
The Competition and Its Impacts
A significant aspect of CNN’s challenges is rooted in direct competition. With both CNN and MSNBC leaning left politically, they split an audience that has moved largely towards alternative media. Conversely, Fox News serves as the primary destination for conservative viewers, benefiting immensely from its lack of meaningful competition within that demographic.
Moreover, the digital landscape has forever changed how news is consumed. In the early days of cable news, CNN thrived as a first-mover—often being the only provider of 24-hour news coverage. However, as digital platforms proliferate, viewers have abundant choices that lead to a decline in tune-ins for CNN’s brand, which has suffered erosion and fatigue over time.