Fox News IGNITES Billion-Dollar Media War: Jesse Watters Launches Unprecedented Offensive Against CBS, ABC, and NBC—“They’ve Lied for Too Long!” Panic Erupts as the Big Three Networks Face Their Biggest Threat Yet in Decades of Broadcast History!

In a bombshell media move that’s making waves across the broadcast landscape, Fox News is repositioning itself not just as a dominant cable news player, but as a legitimate competitor to America’s traditional broadcast giants—CBS, ABC, and NBC. Leading the charge is none other than Jesse Watters, whose rising influence and growing primetime reach are reshaping the narrative and sending the Big Three into full-blown panic mode.

Fox News Aims to Out-Broadcast the Broadcasters

Fox executives are now pitching Fox News as the premier destination for live, large-scale audiences—the kind of viewership once reserved exclusively for major network broadcasts. With the 2025 advertising “upfront” season in full swing, Fox is arguing it can now compete on scale with legacy networks that are struggling to adapt to the streaming era.

“Fox News rates are lower than primetime broadcast, but we deliver the same scale, the same reach, and a high overlap with those audiences,” said Trey Gargano, EVP of Advertising Sales at Fox News. “I don’t think there’s anything else like it in the market.”

Gargano’s statement underscores a bold strategic pivot. Rather than merely fighting with CNN and MSNBC over traditional cable dominance, Fox is taking the fight to the broadcast networks, pointing to surging ratings, a loyal audience, and increased advertiser interest.

The Watters Effect

A key element of this shift is Jesse Watters, whose primetime presence and sharp-tongued political commentary have catapulted him into stardom. Watters has become a centerpiece in Fox’s strategy to capture a younger, more engaged audience—one that prefers bold, personality-driven content.

Media insiders say Watters’ rapid rise has prompted concern at rival networks. CBS and NBC executives have reportedly scrambled to retool their 8 p.m. offerings, while ABC has hinted at format changes ahead of the 2025 election cycle.

Fox is leaning into Watters’ persona the same way network television once banked on the star power of anchors like Peter Jennings or Dan Rather. It’s not just about news; it’s about brand, loyalty, and commanding attention.

Changing the Advertising Game

Historically, major consumer brands avoided the news genre due to political polarization. But that’s changing as advertisers reassess live television’s value in an on-demand world. Suzanne Irving of media agency OMD notes, “It used to be a hard rule—just avoid news. Now, advertisers are more willing to explore.”

Fox has added over 100 new blue-chip advertisers in the past year alone. With its total day viewership up 48% and the key 25–54 demo growing 58% in Q1 2024, Fox News is asserting itself as an ad powerhouse. In contrast, CBS, ABC, and NBC are seeing dwindling live audiences and are under pressure to convert traditional ad buyers into streaming dollars.

Fox News: The “Fifth Broadcast Network”?

Fox Corporation CEO Lachlan Murdoch has labeled Fox News the “fifth broadcast network,” and the network has begun packaging its flagship shows—The Five, Gutfeld!, America’s Newsroom—as competitive with traditional staples like 60 Minutes, The View, and The Today Show.

Notably, Bret Baier’s Special Report has outperformed CBS Evening News in key markets, and the Gutfeld-led late-night offering regularly beats Stephen Colbert in key demos.

The Election Cycle Advantage

With the 2026 midterms looming and Trump-era dynamics returning, Fox is well-positioned to dominate live political coverage. Already booking guests ranging from Elon Musk to astronauts and former White House insiders, the channel is thriving on exclusives and buzzworthy interviews.

According to Alan Gould of Loop Capital, “Fox News is capturing a historically high share of cable news ratings and appears to be permanently gaining market share.”

Economic Realities and the Streaming Divide

Despite Fox News’ upward trajectory, the broader media economy remains uncertain. Kagan projects Fox News’ ad revenue to dip slightly to $1.19 billion in 2025 (from $1.23 billion in 2024). Still, that drop is modest compared to CNN and MSNBC, both expected to post steeper declines.

Fox’s resilience is attributed to its focus on unscripted, real-time content. Unlike scripted broadcast fare that struggles in the streaming age, Fox’s live format is resistant to digital cannibalization.

Meanwhile, CBS, ABC, and NBC are pushing into streaming with mixed success. Peacock (NBC), Paramount+ (CBS), and Hulu (ABC via Disney) are gaining subscribers but are still years away from profitability. Fox News Digital and Fox Nation, while smaller in scale, remain profitable and tightly focused on brand-aligned content.

A Calculated Gamble

Fox News’ pitch is not without risk. Aggressively positioning itself against legacy networks raises expectations—for ratings, for advertising results, and for sustained cultural impact.

But if Watters continues to grow his base and Fox can hold its audience amid a shifting media landscape, the gamble may pay off. Advertisers looking for scale and immediacy in a fragmented market may find Fox News more attractive than ever.

Whether or not the Big Three can respond quickly enough remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Fox News is no longer content with being king of cable. With Jesse Watters leading the charge, they’re gunning for the entire broadcast throne.