Television Ratings and AP-NORC Survey Reveal Americans Are Turning a Deaf Ear to Politics

According to a survey conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, approximately two-thirds of American adults report feeling the need to limit their media consumption related to politics and government due to recent overload.

The survey indicates that a smaller percentage of Americans are restricting their news intake regarding overseas conflicts, the economy, or climate change. According to the survey conducted at the beginning of December, seven out of ten Democrats say they are avoiding political news. The percentage is not as high among Republicans, who have reasons to celebrate Trump's victory. Still, about six out of ten Republicans feel the need to take a break, with a similar sentiment among independents.

The differences in TV channels consumed for political news are even more pronounced. Nielsen reported that the average prime-time viewership for MSNBC was 620,000 from election night until December 13, reflecting a 54% decrease compared to the pre-election audience this year. In the same time comparison, CNN's average viewership of 405,000 represented a 45% decrease. Nielsen noted that the average viewership for Fox News Channel, favored by Trump's supporters, increased by 13% to 2.68 million viewers post-election. Since the election, 72% of those watching one of these three cable channels in the evenings have been tuned into Fox News, compared to 53% before election day.