Fact Check: "MSNBC is facing plummeting ratings and financial woes due to left-wing bias."
What We Know
MSNBC has been the subject of criticism for its perceived left-wing bias, which has been noted by various commentators and media analysts. According to a Wikipedia entry, the network has been accused of having a liberal bias, particularly in its coverage of political events and candidates. This perception has persisted over the years, with some studies indicating that Democrats tend to view the network favorably, while Republicans are more likely to have an unfavorable opinion of it.
In recent times, MSNBC has reportedly faced significant declines in viewership. A New York Post article highlighted that both MSNBC and CNN experienced double-digit audience declines across key demographics in the second quarter of 2025. Additionally, a report from Governing indicated that since a recent election, MSNBC's ratings have collapsed, suggesting a substantial drop in viewership.
Moreover, an article from The New York Times discussed how MSNBC's strategy to cater to a liberal audience has had mixed results, leading to internal tensions within NBCUniversal regarding the network's partisanship and its impact on the broader brand.
Analysis
The claim that MSNBC is experiencing plummeting ratings and financial woes due to left-wing bias is supported by evidence of declining viewership. Reports indicate that MSNBC has indeed seen a decrease in its audience, particularly in 2025, which aligns with the assertion of financial difficulties stemming from its programming choices (source-4, source-7).
However, the assertion that these issues are solely due to left-wing bias is more complex. While the network has been criticized for its liberal stance, it has also been noted that its programming has resonated with a significant portion of the audience, allowing it to leapfrog past CNN in ratings during certain periods (source-3). This suggests that while bias may alienate some viewers, it has also attracted a dedicated liberal audience.
The reliability of the sources varies. The New York Times and New York Post are established news outlets, though the latter is known for a more sensationalist approach. The Wikipedia entry, while informative, may not always reflect the most current or comprehensive analysis due to its collaborative nature. Overall, the evidence points to a nuanced situation where left-wing bias may contribute to viewership challenges but is not the sole factor.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "MSNBC is facing plummeting ratings and financial woes due to left-wing bias" is Partially True. While there is clear evidence that MSNBC is experiencing declines in viewership, attributing these woes solely to its left-wing bias oversimplifies the situation. The network's programming strategy has attracted a loyal audience, but it has also led to significant internal and external challenges that could impact its financial health.
Sources
- Since the Election, Fox News Surges, MSNBC Ratings ...
- MSNBC criticisms and controversies
- How MSNBC's Leftward Tilt Delivers Ratings, and ...
- MSNBC, CNN see declines in viewership as Fox News ...
- MSNBC Media Bias Rating
- MSNBC - Bias and Credibility - Media Bias/Fact Check
- MSNBC is In Trouble As It Faces Steep Viewership ...
- MSNBC's Ratings Plummet Even Further After Jen Psaki Moves to ...
