Many Americans are stepping back from political news coverage, citing mental fatigue and needing a break from the constant barrage of updates.

A recent poll and television ratings reveal a significant decline in political news consumption, particularly among Democrats, after the U.S. presidential election, as the Washington Times reports.

Ziad Aunallah, a 45-year-old Democrat from San Diego, described the sentiment shared by many. "People are mentally exhausted," he said, explaining that the focus on political content during the election left him disinterested afterward. Like Aunallah, approximately 70% of Democrats reported reducing their media intake on politics and government.

Comparatively, about 60% of Republicans and independents echoed the same behavior, according to a poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Cable News Networks See Drastic Changes

Television ratings reflect this trend, with significant declines for left-leaning networks. MSNBC experienced a 54% drop in its prime-time audience, averaging 620,000 viewers, while CNN saw a 45% decrease, averaging 405,000 viewers. Meanwhile, Fox News Channel, which skews conservative, gained viewers, increasing its audience by 13% to 2.68 million.

Before the election, Fox News accounted for 53% of prime-time cable news viewers. That figure has now risen to 72%, underscoring the network's dominance in the post-election landscape.

This shift follows historical patterns, as MSNBC faced a ratings slump after Donald Trump's 2016 victory, and Fox News saw a decline after Joe Biden's 2020 win. However, MSNBC's current decline surpasses its 2016 drop.

Viewers Demand Broader Coverage

Several viewers voiced their frustrations with major networks' content focus. Aunallah criticized the excessive election-centered programming, noting it led to disengagement once the election concluded. "They made it so much of their focus that when the main event ends, why would people want to keep watching?" he said.

Sam Gude, 47, from Lincoln, Nebraska, expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the need for networks to shift their narratives.

"If the network wants to expand its audience, then you have to talk about issues," he said, suggesting that too much focus on past figures like Trump alienates potential viewers.

Kathleen Kendrick, 36, of Grand Junction, Colorado, highlighted a common complaint among viewers. She observed that many stories lack depth and impartiality, calling for more balanced reporting. "It would be nice if you could get both sides and more research," she stated.

Corporate Changes May Impact MSNBC

Amidst declining ratings, MSNBC is undergoing significant corporate restructuring. Parent company Comcast is spinning off the network into a new company, which will operate independently from NBC News. Such changes may impact how the network approaches programming and content in the future.

Despite its television ratings challenges, CNN has maintained steady numbers in its streaming and digital platforms, signaling a shift in how audiences consume news. This digital growth could be crucial as more Americans move away from traditional TV.

Americans Seek Depth Over Sensationalism

The recent poll also revealed broader dissatisfaction with the state of political coverage. Americans expressed disapproval of political commentary from celebrities, athletes, and corporations, signaling a preference for more thoughtful and balanced news. Many indicated a desire for less sensational reporting and more in-depth analysis of issues.

Aunallah summed up this sentiment, noting, "I’m not interested in watching the angry man on the corner yelling at me anymore." He suggested that political news must evolve to engage audiences meaningfully.

Future Challenges for Media Outlets

The Associated Press-NORC poll, conducted Dec. 5-9, 2024, surveyed 1,251 adults with a margin of error of ±3.7 percentage points. The results underscore the challenges facing news organizations in retaining audiences after high-stakes elections.

The question remains whether networks will adapt to these changing preferences. As viewers like Aunallah take a break, they acknowledge the inevitability of returning when the next political wave begins.

"Whether or not you want to hear it, it’s happening," he said. "If you care about your country, you have no choice but to pay attention."