Kaitlan Collins' CNN Ratings: What's Happening?
Is the landscape of cable news undergoing a seismic shift, and is the performance of individual hosts, like Kaitlan Collins, the canary in the coal mine? Recent data paints a stark picture: ratings are in decline, and the future of some shows, and perhaps even the network itself, hangs in the balance.
The world of television news is a volatile one, where viewership numbers can fluctuate wildly and reputations can be made or broken in the blink of an eye. For CNN, a network that has long been a cornerstone of the news cycle, these are particularly challenging times. The focus of much of this scrutiny has landed squarely on Kaitlan Collins and her primetime show, "The Source." The show, which airs at 9 p.m., has been under close observation, with both fans and critics alike. The initial reception, particularly during its debut, was met with a certain degree of optimism, given Collins's established reputation as a tenacious and respected journalist. However, the subsequent months have presented a more complicated narrative, one characterized by sliding ratings and an ongoing struggle to capture a substantial audience. Thursday's figures, for example, revealed a somewhat mixed performance. While Phillip's show, airing on CNN, managed to top the key demographic with 153,000 viewers, "The Source" with Collins trailed slightly, drawing 139,000 viewers. These numbers, while not disastrous in isolation, must be viewed within the larger context of CNN's overall performance and the competitive landscape of cable news.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kaitlan Collins |
| Profession | Journalist, Television Host |
| Current Role | Host of "The Source with Kaitlan Collins" on CNN |
| Previous Role | CNN White House Correspondent |
| Notable Achievements | Covered the Trump White House, known for in-depth interviews and fearless reporting |
| Salary | $3 million (estimated) |
| Education | University of Alabama (Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science) |
| Age | 32 (as of Oct 2024) |
| Website Reference | CNN Profile |
The decline in ratings is not an isolated phenomenon. Recent reports have suggested that the entire network is experiencing a downturn. According to one source, CNN's nighttime news programs are drawing less viewership than their daytime counterparts, a worrying trend. This comes at a moment when major layoffs at the network are being considered. The decisions being made will have implications that extend beyond individual shows and hosts. In November 2024, when CNN was reportedly considering changes, it underscored the level of concern within the network. This is happening against the backdrop of a shifting media landscape where viewers have an almost overwhelming number of options, and where the competition for eyeballs is fierce. Viewers are choosing to watch reruns, and the lack of attraction in the audience could result in major layoffs at the network.
The performance of "The Source" is also a critical factor. The show, which debuted on July 10, has faced a challenging environment. While the July figures across both demos are important to watch, the show's average audience of 429,000 viewers, as reported by US TVDB, places it eighth among all CNN shows, which is a concerning statistic. The network has, however, stood by the 9 p.m. timeslot, even in the face of less-than-stellar ratings. Whether this is a long-term strategy or a temporary measure remains to be seen, but it highlights the network's commitment to Collins and her show, at least for the time being. The debut itself, while generating a certain degree of interest, did not translate into consistently strong viewership numbers. The shows struggles, and its impact on the network's broader fortunes, have become increasingly apparent. Even against the backdrop of a challenging media environment, the numbers have simply not materialized to the degree that would be considered satisfactory.
The financial implications are also considerable. Reports indicate that Erin Burnett, a prominent figure at CNN, earns $6 million annually, while Collins reportedly earns $3 million. The financial pressures, combined with the ratings struggles, create a complex situation. Last month, Thompson, a prominent executive, noted that the network is facing an "existential" challenge, a statement that conveys the gravity of the situation. This statement has set a high note for change within the network.
The challenges faced by Collins are not limited to her show's performance. The broader context of cable news is important. Fox News' "The Five" has consistently secured a significant audience. In a recent interview, Donald Trump was highly critical of Collins, a reflection of the high-stakes environment in which she operates. Her town hall event with Trump last May was noteworthy for her ability to use the same skills that have cemented her reputation as one of television's most fearless reporters. The fact that Collins was named host of the 9 p.m. timeslot last May, after her tenure as White House correspondent, speaks to the network's belief in her ability to draw viewers. Nevertheless, the ongoing struggle to attract a substantial audience in primetime has become a defining feature of her tenure.
The podcast, "The Source with Kaitlan Collins," available on Apple Podcasts, represents an attempt to diversify the show's reach. MSNBC's viewership numbers offer a point of comparison. The show that goes right up against Maddow on CNN, "The Source with Kaitlan Collins," has been averaging 745,000 viewers during the same time period. The comparison helps paint a picture of the competitive landscape.
The performance of "The Source" is a case study in the evolving world of cable news, and the ability to adapt and innovate is paramount. The networks overall trajectory is a reflection of these trends. The pressure is on for the show to find a way to connect with a larger audience. Whether "The Source" can reverse the negative trend remains to be seen, but the coming months will be critical. This has resulted in major layoffs at the network, and it could further damage the networks reputation. The situation calls for a multi-pronged approach, one that includes not only the content of the show itself, but also the broader strategies employed by CNN to reach and engage viewers in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. The performance of Collins and "The Source" will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of significant interest in the news industry.
