Stock market turbulence boosts CNBC ratings significantly

The announcement of new tariffs by President Donald Trump on April 2, 2025, caused significant disruptions in global stock markets, leading to notable declines in market performance that recorded among the worst statistics since the COVID-19 pandemic. This turmoil caught the attention of investors and the general public, prompting them to seek real-time updates and expert analysis through business news networks. CNBC, in particular, saw a surge in viewership, with a reported 36% increase during market hours from Wednesday to Friday of the first week in April. Their audience grew by 25% compared to the previous week, as market volatility became a focal point of interest for viewers. Additionally, CNBC's web and app traffic surged by 83%, and new subscriptions jumped by 34% relative to the first quarter average. Conversely, Fox Business reported a 35% increase in viewership compared to its 2024 average, indicating a broader trend among business news outlets benefiting from market-driven events. This phenomenon illustrates how political and economic events directly impact media consumption, particularly as Americans increasingly turn to traditional news sources for timely information in times of uncertainty. The ratings spike for CNBC and Fox Business during this volatile period underscores the connection between financial market instability and increased consumption of business news media, as more individuals seek to understand the implications of tariff changes and stock market performance on their investments and the economy in general.