Title: US Broadcast and Cable Networks See Growth in Viewer Traction in January
Introduction:
In January, both broadcast and cable networks saw a surge in viewership in the United States, largely fueled by the exciting postseasons in college football and the NFL. Let’s delve into the data to understand the trends shaping the TV landscape at the beginning of 2025.
Broadcast and Cable Networks Gain Momentum:
According to Nielsen’s TV use rankings for January 2025, both cable (24.4 percent) and broadcast (22.5 percent) networks experienced growth compared to December 2024. Cable saw a rise from 23.8 percent, while broadcasters increased by a tenth of a point. Streaming, however, saw a slight dip to 42.6 percent but still maintained the largest share of viewing. Other TV use made up the remaining 10.5 percent.
Key Factors Driving Broadcast Success:
The NFL playoffs played a significant role in driving the largest broadcast audiences in January. The conference championship games on Jan. 26 attracted 57.4 million viewers on CBS and 44.2 million on Fox. Additionally, drama viewing on broadcast rose by 15 percent, with news viewing growing by 18 percent, driven by events like the presidential inauguration.
News Dominates Cable:
News content also contributed substantially to cable’s growth in January, witnessing a 26 percent increase from December. Notably, ESPN’s College Football Playoffs dominated the top seven cable telecasts of the month, showcasing the sports’ enduring popularity among viewers.
Streaming Continues to Thrive:
Despite a small decline from December, streaming maintained its significance, capturing 42.6 percent of all viewing in January. Netflix’s hit series “Squid Game” emerged as the most-watched show of the month, accumulating over 9 billion minutes of viewing. Prime Video’s NFL wild-card game on Jan. 11 propelled streaming to its second-largest day in U.S. history, with 47 billion minutes across all platforms.
Platform Rankings and Changes:
Nielsen’s platform and streaming service rankings for January highlight the evolving landscape. Notably, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ have been consolidated into a single Disney streaming number, reflecting the interconnected nature of these services for subscribers.
In Conclusion:
The data from January showcases the dynamic nature of the TV industry, with broadcast and cable networks experiencing growth alongside the ever-expanding streaming realm. As viewers continue to seek diverse content options, network executives and content creators must adapt to meet evolving consumer preferences and behaviors.