Fox News Just Bankrolled Its Most First Quarter Ad Revenue EVER
(Ted Shaffrey/AP photo)
Fox Corporation drew the most ad dollars in its history, according to a strong first-quarter report — the first under the sole leadership of executive chair and CEO Lachlan Murdoch.
The first report of fiscal year 2026, which dropped on Wednesday, was marked by strong Fox News Channel viewership and fueled a surge in prime-time ratings.
“Fox News sustained a strong ratings and audience momentum throughout the quarter,” Murdoch said in a statement from the network. “Fox News once again cemented its status as the most-watched cable network in total day and in prime time.”
Murdoch added: “Even more impressive, Fox News is the most-viewed network in all television in weekday prime calendar year to date. This engagement and share led to the highest first quarter ad revenue in Fox News Media history with higher pricing across both direct response and national advertising during the quarter.”
Another highlight for Fox was its digital operation, which drew in a strong web audience and social media engagement.
“Breaking news coverage throughout the quarter also drove strong engagement at Fox News Digital, fueling growth in page views and minutes versus last year,” Murdoch said. “Fox News Digital closed the quarter with over 6.5 billion social media video views, its highest total ever. The strong Q1 results we have just reported, coupled with the ongoing trends we are seeing across the company gives me great confidence in the positive outlook for Fox.”
In addition, Fox News tacked on hundreds of new advertisers.
“I think we’ve had about 350 new national clients on Fox News this year,” Murdoch said. “And they continue to spend and, in most cases, increase their spend.”
The historic ad revenue cash, however, was offset by an increase in spending linked to “increases in digital marketing and content costs and entertainment programming rights amortization,” Variety reported.
The earnings report comes nearly two months after Murdoch, the son of News Corporation founder Rupert Murdoch, was awarded full control of Fox News and other affiliated networks.
