CNN is experiencing a substantial surge in viewership thanks to its intensive coverage of the Nancy Guthrie abduction case. The network has drawn more than 1 million viewers at multiple points this week, a dramatic increase from its usual averages of 553,000 in primetime and 433,000 during daytime hours.
Constant Coverage of a Disturbing Case
The abduction of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman and mother of Today show star Savannah Guthrie, has dominated CNN's programming both day and night. Nancy was kidnapped in the early hours of February 1 from her home in Tucson, Arizona, and police continue their search for her.
Prominent CNN anchors, including Jake Tapper, Erin Burnett, and Kaitlan Collins, have led the coverage. Tapper reported live from Nancy's home in Tucson, while Burnett and TMZ founder Harvey Levin appeared on-screen to discuss the case. TMZ has received emails from individuals claiming to be the kidnapper or having knowledge of the responsible party.
FBI Developments and Viewer Engagement
The case has captivated American audiences, partly due to an initial ransom note demanding millions in Bitcoin for Nancy's safe return. This week, FBI investigators released doorbell images showing an armed individual outside Nancy's front door on the morning of her disappearance. Anchors like Collins and Anderson Cooper have extensively covered this development, keeping viewers engaged with relentless updates.
A Timely Boost for a Struggling Network
The viewership spike comes at a critical juncture for CNN, which has been hemorrhaging viewers over the past decade. According to Nielsen data, the network, launched in 1980, has lost nearly two-thirds of its primetime viewers and almost half of its daytime audience in that period. These declines have fueled rumors of a potential network sale.
Warner Bros Discovery, CNN's parent company currently up for sale, has denied whispers of such a transaction. Meanwhile, ratings for NBC's Today show have also increased as its anchors navigate the crisis involving Savannah Guthrie's mother.
Uncertain Future Amid Corporate Changes
CNN faces an uncertain future as Warner Bros Discovery plans a sale to Netflix. However, Netflix executives have expressed no interest in acquiring CNN or other cable channels, meaning they would be spun off into a separate entity if the deal proceeds. Paramount, owner of CBS, has placed a hostile takeover bid for Warner this week in an attempt to block the Netflix transaction.
Despite these challenges, CNN's website continues to attract approximately 120 million monthly users, indicating a strong digital presence.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Fascination
The Guthrie case remains a focal point for U.S. audiences, with on-air talents like Anderson Cooper reporting on disturbing developments. On Tuesday, the Pima County Sheriff's Department detained a man for questioning near the border south of Tucson in connection with Nancy's disappearance. He was released on Wednesday after several hours of interviews and was not deemed a suspect.
As the search entered its 13th day on Friday, officials confirmed they have not identified any suspects. The case continues to transfix the nation, with CNN's coverage playing a key role in keeping the public informed and engaged.
