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# C3 Ratings Drop for Cable Networks in Second Quarter of 2017
- URL: https://capitolcommunicator.com/c3-ratings-drop-for-cable-networks-in-second-quarter-of-2017/
- Published: 2017-08-14T19:03:42.000Z
- Updated: 2017-08-15T12:52:18.000Z
- Author: Capitol Communicator
- Tags: Communications, Insights, #Import 2026-10-08 18:48

**Cable TV networks continue to see steeper overall viewership declines — particularly with younger TV viewers,** [reports TV NewsCheck](https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/305699/c3-ratings-decline-for-cable-tv-networks.html?ref=capitolcommunicator.com), which added that in the second quarter of 2017, “MoffettNathanson Research says there was a 9.1% decline in total day 18-49 viewers in Nielsen C3 ratings — the average commercial minute ratings plus three days of time-shifted viewing — for cable networks.

“Digging deeper, MoffettNathanson says that in June, PUT levels for younger viewers 18-24 (People Using TV) dropped 19%. In addition, PUT levels for 12-17 viewers sank 16%; and even younger 2-11, 11% lower.

“Older TV viewers 55 and younger were better performers for cable networks — slipping just 3%. Overall, cable networks PUT trends have been generally declining since July 2016.

“Research also shows the top 20 cable networks were down 3% among all viewers in total gross ratings points from a year ago. It could have been worse, had it not been for cable news networks gains over the past year. Only four of the top 20 networks from a year ago were up: Fox News, CNN, I.D., and A&E.

““Given the continued declines in ratings, we expect cable network advertising to continue to be a problem during 2017 and worry that our forecasted fourth quarter snap back to flat growth may be too optimistic,” writes Michael Nathanson.

“Second-quarter cable network advertising declined 3%, according to MoffettNathanson — projected to sink 8% in the third quarter (a 5% decline when taking out Olympic advertising). It was forecast to recover to flat growth in the fourth quarter.”