In a seismic shift shaking the American media world, Fox News has officially overtaken broadcast titans CBS, ABC, and NBC—not just in cable news, but across the primetime slots that once defined television dominance. For the first time in history, a cable news channel has surged ahead of the “Big Three,” and the charge is being led by Fox primetime host Jesse Watters, whose meteoric rise has become the centerpiece of this transformation.
Recent Nielsen ratings show Fox News averaging more than 3.2 million primetime viewers, eclipsing CBS at 2.6 million, NBC at 2.5 million, and ABC at 2.4 million. The feat marks an unprecedented power shift, one fueled by Fox’s aggressive programming, digital reach, and fiercely loyal audience. But at the heart of it all is Watters, whose sharp political commentary, humor, and easy rapport with everyday Americans have made his show “Jesse Watters Primetime” one of the most-watched programs on television. His segments routinely go viral, extending the network’s reach far beyond traditional broadcasts.
“I never set out to take over television,” Watters said recently. “But viewers are hungry for something real—something that speaks to their lives and values. I think we’re giving them that.”
Behind his rise is a larger Fox strategy that insiders describe as a multi-billion dollar offensive. The network has poured resources into cutting-edge studios, new technology, and digital platforms like Fox News Digital and Fox Nation. Rupert Murdoch, who continues to drive the network’s vision, has made clear that this is not just competition with legacy outlets—it is a complete redefinition of television news. “We’re here to take over,” he reportedly told executives earlier this year.
The dominance of Fox comes as the old broadcast giants struggle with shrinking audiences and waning cultural clout. Younger viewers are turning away from traditional network news and gravitating toward more personalized, on-demand platforms. Analysts argue Fox has been uniquely successful in tapping into a politically engaged, passionate audience that feels ignored by other outlets. “Broadcast news is facing an existential crisis,” said Dr. Emily Harper, a media professor at NYU. “Fox News has capitalized on this moment like no one else.”
Critics accuse the network of deepening polarization, while supporters argue Fox has given voice to millions who feel sidelined by mainstream coverage. Watters embraces the friction. “We’re not here to make everyone happy,” he said. “We’re here to challenge the status quo and hold the powerful accountable. If that ruffles feathers, so be it.”
What comes next may be even bigger. Fox executives are reportedly eyeing new original programming, investigative units, and deeper integration between digital and broadcast arms. Watters, insiders say, is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the network’s future, with speculation swirling about possible executive responsibilities.
“We’re just getting started,” he teased at a recent media summit. “The best is yet to come.”
The balance of power in American television has shifted. With Jesse Watters as its unlikely kingmaker, Fox News has upended decades of tradition, outpaced its rivals, and launched a new era in which cable, digital, and broadcast are no longer separate worlds, but a single empire dominated by one network.
