CNN sees ratings swoon in April

CNN's prime-time ratings dropped a whopping 26 percent in April compared to last year, according to Nielsen Media Research.

MSNBC's ratings were down 14 percent in April 2019 compared to April 2018, while Fox News's ratings overall were flat.

The sharp decrease for CNN marked its lowest-rated month in total viewers since October 2015.

In the 25- to 54-year-old demographic that advertisers covet most, it was the network's least-watched month since Aug. 2015. 

In prime time, Fox News finished first with an average of 2.4 million viewers. In April 2018, the network also averaged 2.4 million viewers, according to Nielsen.

MSNBC was second with an average of 1.66 million viewers, down from 1.93 million in April 2018.

CNN was third with 767,000 average primetime viewers, down from 1.04 million in April 2018.

In the 25–54 demographic, all three networks saw a decline.

Fox News delivered 389,000 viewers, followed by MSNBC's 255,000 and CNN's 198,000 viewers in the category. 

The top five shows in cable news were Fox's "Hannity" with an average of 3.086 million viewers, followed by "Tucker CarlsonTucker CarlsonPoll: 24 percent of voters want military action against Iran Hannity promises Trump would 'bomb the hell out of' Iran following downing of US drone Tucker Carlson: GOP tax law 'far better deal for corporate America' than middle class MORE Tonight" with an average of 2.834 million. MSNBC's "Rachel MaddowRachel Anne MaddowThe Hill's 12:30 Report: Anticipation high ahead of first debate Primary debates haven't asked candidates about sexual harassment policies in over 20 years: report 2020 primary debate guide: Everything you need to know ahead of the first Democratic showdown MORE Show" was third with 2.630 million viewers, followed by Fox's "The Ingraham Angle with 2.455 million viewers and "The Five" with 2.4 million in rounding out the Top-5. 

CNN's highest-rated show was "Chris CuomoChristopher (Chris) Charles CuomoDebates are do-or-die for candidates at the back of the pack Viral photo shows Warren sitting behind Sanders on flight to Miami Sanders denies tweet about corporate Democrats was dig at Warren MORE Primetime," which averaged 917,000 viewers in finishing 26th overall in total viewers among the cable news networks.