Media Earthquake: How Fox News Overtook CBS, ABC, and NBC—And Why Jesse Watters Is at the Center of a Multi-Billion Dollar Power Shift

For decades, the “Big Three” networks—CBS, ABC, and NBC—were untouchable titans of American broadcast news. Their anchors were household names. Their nightly broadcasts were rituals in millions of homes. They didn’t just report the news; they shaped the national narrative.

But as of 2025, the hierarchy has been shattered. In a development few could have predicted a generation ago, Fox News has surged past all three legacy broadcasters—not just in cable ratings, but across the critical primetime metrics that define television dominance. It is not merely a ratings story. It is a seismic shift in power, culture, and influence.

And at the center of this earthquake stands Jesse Watters.

The Power Shift: A Cable Network Topples Giants

The numbers tell the story.

According to Nielsen’s latest quarterly report, Fox News averaged 3.2 million primetime viewers, compared with CBS at 2.6 million, NBC at 2.5 million, and ABC at 2.4 million. That margin is more than symbolic. For the first time in U.S. history, a cable news network has consistently outranked the broadcast networks that once defined television news.

Media historians are already calling it a “Berlin Wall moment”—the collapse of an old order and the rise of a new media superpower.

Dr. Emily Harper, a professor of media studies at NYU, put it bluntly:
“Broadcast news is facing an existential crisis. Younger audiences aren’t loyal to the networks anymore. They want immediacy, personality, and on-demand access. Fox News figured that out before anyone else—and now they’re reaping the rewards.”

The Jesse Watters Phenomenon

Much of Fox News’ rise can be traced to the unlikely journey of Jesse Watters.

Once a correspondent on The O’Reilly Factor, Watters was initially known for ambush interviews and man-on-the-street segments that critics dismissed as stunts. But over time, his sharp political instincts, dry humor, and talent for connecting with viewers propelled him into primetime.

Today, Jesse Watters Primetime isn’t just a hit—it’s the single most influential program on Fox’s schedule. Watters’ unique blend of political commentary and cultural satire routinely tops ratings charts, often outperforming shows across CBS, NBC, and ABC.

“I never set out to take over television,” Watters said in a recent interview. “But viewers are hungry for something real—something that speaks to their lives and values. I think we’re giving them that.”

His formula is deceptively simple: sharp monologues, viral-ready segments, and an intuitive sense of what will resonate beyond the television screen. Clips from his show dominate Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube within hours of airing. That digital halo effect has amplified Fox News’ reach far beyond its traditional cable audience.

A Multi-Billion Dollar Offensive

Fox’s dominance didn’t happen by accident. Behind the scenes, executives have been waging what one insider called a “multi-billion dollar offensive” designed to secure the network’s place as the undisputed leader of American news.

The strategy is three-pronged:

State-of-the-art infrastructure. Fox has poured resources into upgraded studios, immersive graphics, and production values that rival any Hollywood set.
Digital expansion. Fox News Digital now attracts tens of millions of unique monthly visitors. Its subscription streaming platform, Fox Nation, provides exclusive content and behind-the-scenes access to stars like Watters.
Cross-platform dominance. From podcasts to live events to social media, Fox is everywhere. Its content strategy ensures that a viral Watters clip can reach a TikTok user who doesn’t even own a television.

Rupert Murdoch reportedly told executives earlier this year:
“We’re not just competing with the old guard—we’re redefining what news looks like in the 21st century. We’re here to take over.”

The Decline of the Big Three

Meanwhile, CBS, NBC, and ABC are struggling.

The networks face shrinking viewership, aging demographics, and difficulty retaining relevance in a fragmented media landscape. While each has invested in digital streaming—NBC with Peacock, CBS with Paramount+, and ABC through Disney’s platforms—their news divisions have failed to capture the same energy as Fox.

Part of the challenge is tone. Where legacy networks emphasize neutrality and polish, Fox News thrives on personality and passion. Its anchors aren’t just journalists—they’re cultural figures, almost entertainers, who double as movement leaders.

“Fox found an audience that felt ignored by the Big Three,” said Dr. Harper. “And once they had it, they never let go.”

The Cultural and Political Impact

The ascendancy of Fox News has implications far beyond Nielsen charts.

As the most-watched news network in America, Fox now wields unparalleled influence over public opinion and political discourse. Critics warn that its editorial stance—often aligned with conservative values—has deepened polarization. Supporters counter that Fox has simply given voice to millions who felt silenced by mainstream media.

Jesse Watters embraces the controversy.
“We’re not here to make everyone happy,” he said. “We’re here to challenge the status quo and hold the powerful accountable. If that ruffles some feathers, so be it.”

The line captures both Fox’s strategy and its appeal: unapologetic, confrontational, and willing to offend.

Inside Fox’s Future Plans

Fox News executives aren’t treating their current dominance as a peak. They see it as a launching pad.

Plans are reportedly underway to expand original investigative journalism units, broaden Fox Nation’s offerings, and launch even more primetime shows with personalities who can replicate the Watters formula: sharp commentary, digital virality, and loyal followings.

Some insiders even whisper about Jesse Watters moving into an executive leadership role—a possibility that could shape the network for decades.

At a recent media summit, Watters teased the future:
“We’re just getting started. The best is yet to come.”

Why Fox’s Model Works

Industry experts cite several reasons Fox News has been able to leapfrog the Big Three:

Engaged audience. Fox viewers are not passive. They tune in nightly, share clips, and treat the network as a community.
Star-driven programming. From Watters to Laura Ingraham to Sean Hannity, Fox has built a lineup that feels more like a roster of personalities than interchangeable anchors.
Digital-first mindset. Fox treats every show as content for multiple platforms, not just television.
Emotional connection. More than just delivering facts, Fox programs tap into the values and frustrations of their audience.

“Fox is not just a news channel,” one analyst said. “It’s an ecosystem.”

The Balance of Power Has Shifted

The phrase “media earthquake” is not an exaggeration. What Fox News has accomplished is nothing less than a reordering of the television landscape.

By surpassing CBS, ABC, and NBC in primetime viewership, Fox has proven that cable networks—not legacy broadcasters—now set the national agenda. By elevating Jesse Watters from street correspondent to primetime kingmaker, Fox has shown how personality-driven programming can dominate both TV and the internet. And by investing billions in digital expansion, the network has ensured its dominance will not be fleeting.

For supporters, it’s a victory for authenticity. For critics, it’s a troubling consolidation of power. For everyone, it’s a moment that will redefine television for years to come.

One thing is certain: the balance of power has shifted. Fox News isn’t just competing with the Big Three anymore. It has overtaken them—and the entire media world will have to adapt to the new reality.