OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.
In addition to the disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct against current and former CNN anchors, the scandal-plagued network is also battling some of its worst ratings in years.
The 15th annual CNN special called “CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute” is heavily promoted and even enlists celebrities and musicians to draw an audience.
The event turn into its second-least watched Sunday primetime lineup from 8-11 p.m. since 1997.
Hosted by Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa, CNN only managed to get 422,000 viewers.
For the advertiser-coveted demographic of adults age 25-54, the numbers were devastatingly low at just 42,000.
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The disappointing special shed 55% of its total viewers and 76% of its demo audience compared to last year, despite appearances by “Law and Order” star Christopher Meloni, “Wonder Woman” actress Lynda Carter, “West Side Story” actress Rachel Zegler, musician Josh Groban, “Claws” star Niecy Nash and singer Aloe Blacc.
CNN’s only Sunday primetime lineup over the past 25 years with a smaller audience came on Feb. 3, 2013 – the night of Super Bowl XLVII.
“CNN Heroes,” which celebrates “inspiring stories of everyday people changing the world,” failed to resonate with Americans despite the noble cause. The 2021 CNN Hero of the Year, Shirley Raines, started a nonprofit organization that provides food, clothing, and hair and makeup services to unfortunate people living on Los Angeles’ Skid Row.
While “CNN Heroes” was particularly disappointing, ratings issues are nothing new for the scandal-plagued network.
November was CNN’s lowest-rated month among primetime total viewers since 2015. The struggling network’s most popular show, “Anderson Cooper 360,” finished No. 24 overall among cable news, behind 15 Fox News and eight MSNBC programs during the news-heavy month.
It’s been a rough week for CNN, as the network also fired senior producer John Griffin Monday after he was arrested last week for alleged shocking sex crimes with young girls.
