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The latest evening news ratings point to a growing divide between ABC and its two main rivals, CBS and NBC, as both networks continue to lose ground in a ratings environment marked by declining viewership and internal shake-ups.
For the week of April 6, ABC maintained its lead in both total viewers and the key adults 25–54 demographic, while CBS and NBC lagged behind, according to new Nielsen data. “ABC World News Tonight,” anchored by David Muir, averaged 8.417 million total viewers and 1.067 million in that demographic for the week. That performance marked a slight dip from the previous week, with total viewership down 2 percent and the key demo unchanged. However, the broadcast showed strong year-over-year growth, rising 12 percent in total viewers and 5 percent in the key demo compared to the same week in 2025.
“NBC Nightly News,” anchored by Tom Llamas, averaged 6.434 million total viewers and 909,000 in the key adults 25–54 demographic for the week. The broadcast saw a noticeable week-over-week decline, dropping 4 percent in total viewers and 13 percent in the key demo. Despite that short-term dip, NBC posted year-over-year gains, increasing 6 percent in total viewers and 7 percent in the demo compared to the same week last year.
“CBS Evening News” with Tony Dokoupil continued to lag behind its rivals during the week of April 6, averaging 3.807 million total viewers and 477,000 in the adults 25–54 demographic. The numbers took a noticeable dip from the week before, with viewership down 8 percent overall and falling an even steeper 16 percent among younger viewers. Compared to the same time last year, total viewers ticked up slightly by 2 percent, but the key demo dropped 3 percent, underscoring the network’s ongoing struggle to win over a younger audience.
Meanwhile, “ABC World News Tonight” delivered a standout performance on April 10 with special live coverage of the Artemis II return to Earth. Anchored by Muir, the broadcast drew 9.77 million total viewers and 2.362 million in the key demo, making it the most-watched program of the night.
Other networks trailed significantly during that special coverage window. Fox News drew 4.999 million total viewers and 543,000 in the demo, while CBS News followed with 4.585 million viewers and 843,000 in the demo, according to the data.
NBC News aired its own coverage, bringing in 3.912 million total viewers and 946,000 in the key demographic.
CBS, in particular, has been under scrutiny following its recent overhaul of the “Evening News” anchored by Dokoupil and shaped by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. Insiders say tensions are growing at CBS News as Weiss and CBS President Tom Cibrowski clash over how to improve ratings. The two have sharply different visions, with one staffer describing their dynamic to the New York Post last week as “the odd couple.” Cibrowski is reportedly pushing a “softer” editorial approach aimed at a Middle America appeal, while Weiss is advocating for a more aggressive, digital-first strategy focused on hard news and enterprise reporting.
NBC, meanwhile, has stayed comfortably in second place, with “Nightly News” showing steady performance since Llamas took over from Lester Holt in June. That said, the network is still working to broaden its appeal, especially among younger viewers, as it competes with “ABC World News Tonight,” anchored by Muir. NBC is leaning heavily into Llamas’ background as a former ABC correspondent, and someone once seen as a potential successor to Muir, to help refresh its image.
Part of that push includes extending his presence beyond the traditional broadcast. Llamas also hosts the streaming companion program “Top Story” right after “Nightly News,” a move designed to keep viewers engaged longer and reach audiences who are increasingly getting their news beyond traditional TV.
Source:
www.independent.co.uk
