Broadcast gains as cable slips to 20% of viewing
According to an analysis of Nielsen data for 2026 compiled by TV Grim Reaper, cable television viewership declined by 3.2% over the year, with its share of total viewership falling to 20%. During the same period, broadcast networks ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC reportedly experienced a jump in their viewership.
Key Takeaways
- Nielsen figures compiled by TV Grim Reaper show cable TV viewership down 3.2% across 2026.
- Cable’s share of total viewership fell to 20%.
- ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC all saw viewership increase during the same period.
Why It Matters
Cable is now down to one-fifth of total viewing, while the four major broadcast networks all gained audience share in the same year. That keeps the pressure on linear TV economics and underscores how viewing is continuing to concentrate outside cable. The source does not break out the size of each broadcast network’s gain, so the key signal to watch is whether future Nielsen updates show cable staying near the 20% mark or falling further.
Read full article at cordcuttersnews.com
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