Observed Signal · Jun 3, 2026 · Ratings Report · Source: Adweek · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Week of May 25 Evening News Ratings Drop
Adweek’s TVNewser reports that the three major evening newscasts trended downward in total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demo for the week of May 25, 2026, following the Memorial Day holiday. ABC World News Tonight with David Muir led the audience, averaging 7.824 million total viewers and 961,000 A25-54 viewers. NBC Nightly News averaged 5.955 million total viewers and 800,000 A25-54 viewers. CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil posted the largest week-over-week declines, finishing with 3.787 million total viewers and 493,000 A25-54 viewers and suffering a double-digit drop in the demo. Figures are based on Nielsen live+same-day Big Data + Panel measurements; several broadcasts were coded as specials because of Memorial Day scheduling.
Routine weekly broadcast ratings with limited, short-term impact on the broader AdTech industry; useful for TV ad sellers and planners but not industry-shifting.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- ABC World News Tonight (David Muir) averaged 7,824,000 total viewers and 961,000 Adults 25-54 for the week of May 25, 2026.
- NBC Nightly News averaged 5,955,000 total viewers and 800,000 Adults 25-54 for the same week.
- CBS Evening News (Tony Dokoupil) averaged 3,787,000 total viewers and 493,000 Adults 25-54 and declined -19% in the A25-54 demo week-over-week.
- Ratings are based on Nielsen live+same-day Big Data + Panel; broadcasts were coded as specials due to the Memorial Day holiday (Monday).
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Evening News Ratings Decline Week of May 4
Nielsen national live+same-day Big Data + Panel ratings show declines for the three major U.S. broadcast evening newscasts during the week of May 4, 2026. ABC World News Tonight (David Muir) led with 8.183 million total viewers and 976,000 Adults 25–54, followed by NBC Nightly News (Tom Llamas) with 6.125 million and 903,000, and CBS Evening News with 3.702 million and 473,000. All three broadcasts fell versus the previous week (ABC -1% total / -3% demo; NBC -2% / -3%; CBS -4% / -13%), while year-over-year comparisons showed mixed results. The weekly averages exclude three retitled broadcasts on 05/05, 05/06 and 05/08.
Evening News Ratings Fall Week of March 9
For the week of March 9, 2026, ABC, NBC and CBS evening newscasts all posted week‑to‑week declines in total viewers and Adults 25‑54. ABC World News Tonight with David Muir remained the most‑watched broadcast, averaging 8.478 million total viewers and 1.033 million A25‑54. NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas averaged 6.514 million total viewers and 946,000 A25‑54. CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil fell to 3.845 million total viewers and 468,000 A25‑54, below 4 million for the week and showing the largest year‑over‑year demo decline. Nielsen national Live+Same‑Day Big Data+Panel ratings were cited; the report notes possible influences on viewing patterns including unrest in the Middle East and the recent switch to Daylight Saving Time.
NBC and CBS Gain in April 13 Evening News Ratings
Adweek's TVNewser reports national Nielsen live+same-day Big Data+Panel ratings for the week of April 13, 2026. ABC's World News Tonight with David Muir remained the most-watched evening newscast in total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demo but declined week-over-week. NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas and CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil posted gains in the A25-54 demographic. Nielsen averages for the week show ABC at 8.175 million total viewers and 1.01 million A25-54; NBC at 6.441 million and 943,000 A25-54; CBS at 3.804 million and 482,000 A25-54. Week-over-week changes: ABC -3% total/-5% demo; NBC flat total/+4% demo; CBS flat total/+1% demo. The report notes NBC’s weekly averages exclude a retitled Friday broadcast and provides year-over-year comparisons versus the same week in 2025.
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