Overview
- For the week of July 13, Nielsen data show CBS Mornings averaged 1.59 million viewers, the program’s lowest weekly average on record and a 13% decline from the 1.83 million it drew the same week last year.
- Despite the decline, CBS Mornings still led Fox & Friends with 1.59 million versus 1.46 million viewers, although Fox has narrowed the gap and Fox News led weekday prime-time averages that week.
- Reporting connects the slide to recent personnel moves at CBS News, including the firing of 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley and reported exits involving other 60 Minutes contributors, with some outlets noting variation in which departures are independently confirmed.
- Analysts and critics have linked the audience losses to editorial changes since Bari Weiss became CBS News editor-in-chief in October, even as marquee personalities such as Gayle King have publicly renewed their commitment to the morning show.
- The drop raises commercial and reputational stakes for CBS because lower Nielsen results can affect ad revenue and programming choices, so upcoming weekly ratings and management decisions will be watched closely for signs of a turnaround.