The cable news ratings for January 2012 are in, and as usual, Fox News cleared the top programs. The network claimed the thirteen highest rating shows of the month. Moreover, it celebrated 10 straight years as the top cable news channel.
The best news of the month, though, probably came for CNN and Anderson Cooper.
CNN and MSNBC continue to duke it out for viewers in January. CNN won across the board, besting MSNBC during primetime in total viewers (842,000 vs. 804,000) and in the key 25-54 demo (282,000 vs. 219,000).
CNN's two GOP debates -- both of which saw testy exchanges between the moderators and Newt Gingrich -- boosted ratings for the network. "AC360" also gained in total viewers and the key demo in both of its timeslots, compared to January 2011. The 10 p.m. broadcast grew an impressive 61% among viewers 25-54.
MSNBC slipped at 8 p.m., compared to last January before Keith Olbermann's departure. However, the network claimed the next five highest rating shows after Fox News. "Hardball With Chris Matthews" also grew in total viewers and the key demo at both 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., and "Morning Joe" broke the top 30 shows.
How did individual shows fare? Below, see the top 30 cable news programs of January.