Top 10 US News Anchors (The Big 3: Fox, MS NOW, CNN)

As of early 2026, ratings are dominated by Fox News, while MSNBC has rebranded to MS NOW.

1. Jesse Watters (Fox News): Currently the highest-rated host in cable news, leading the 8:00 PM slot.

2. Greg Gutfeld (Fox News): Dominates late-night/prime-time ratings with a mix of satire and news.

3. Rachel Maddow (MS NOW): Despite a reduced weekly schedule, she remains the most influential and highest-rated voice for the network.

4. Sean Hannity (Fox News): A long-standing titan of conservative commentary with high viewer loyalty.

5. Bret Baier (Fox News): Widely considered the “straight news” anchor with the highest credibility in the Fox lineup.

6. Nicolle Wallace (MS NOW): Her afternoon show Deadline: White House has become a cornerstone of the network’s political coverage.

7. Anderson Cooper (CNN): Remains the face of CNN, particularly for major global breaking news and “AC360.”

8. Laura Ingraham (Fox News): A consistent ratings leader in the 7:00 PM hour.

9. Ari Melber (MS NOW): Host of The Beat, popular for his legal analysis and cultural crossovers.

10. Jake Tapper (CNN): CNN’s lead Washington anchor, known for hard-hitting interviews on The Lead.

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Top 20 News Networks (Global: Online & On-Air)

These networks lead in global reach, web traffic, and broadcast influence.

Rank	Network	Headquarters	Key Strength
1	BBC News	UK	World’s largest news gatherer; top global trust.
2	CNN International	USA	Unmatched for 24/7 breaking global events.
3	Al Jazeera	Qatar	Leading voice for the Global South and Middle East.
4	The New York Times	USA	Digital leader in investigative journalism.
5	Reuters	UK/Global	The primary source for wire news worldwide.
6	Fox News	USA	Top-rated cable news in the US; high digital engagement.
7	The Guardian	UK	Independent, high-traffic global digital presence.
8	MS NOW	USA	Rebranded leader for liberal political analysis.
9	Associated Press (AP)	USA	Foundation of global news reporting for other outlets.
10	Sky News	UK/Australia	Multi-platform innovator in live breaking news.
11	Deutsche Welle (DW)	Germany	Major European perspective in 30 languages.
12	France 24	France	Key influential broadcaster for European/African affairs.
13	Daily Mail (Online)	UK	World leader in high-volume digital news traffic.
14	Bloomberg News	USA	Global authority on finance and markets.
15	NHK World	Japan	Primary source for Asian and Pacific news.
16	NDTV	India	High-influence independent broadcaster in South Asia.
17	Times of India	India	World’s largest-selling English newspaper online.
18	ABC News	USA	Top-rated evening news in the US market.
19	RT (Global/Web)	Russia	High digital reach despite various regional bans.
20	CCTV / CGTN	China	State-backed global reach across all continents.

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Top 20 News Anchors in the World (2026)

1. Christiane Amanpour (CNN): The preeminent global war correspondent and interviewer.

2. Lyse Doucet (BBC): Chief international correspondent; the “face” of BBC global field reporting.

3. David Muir (ABC): Anchors the most-watched evening news program in America.

4. Arnab Goswami (Republic TV): Highly influential and controversial leader in Indian news.

5. Palki Sharma Upadhyay (Firstpost): A rising global star for Indian-perspective international news.

6. Anderson Cooper (CNN): Globally recognized for disaster and conflict reporting.

7. Ros Atkins (BBC): Known for his viral “Analysis” videos and factual breakdowns.

8. Jorge Ramos (Univision): The most trusted voice in Spanish-language news globally.

9. Lester Holt (NBC): A staple of American broadcast stability and credibility.

10. Katty Kay (BBC): Prominent for bridging UK and US political analysis.

11. Mary Bruce (ABC): Leading political reporter on the US executive branch.

12. Zain Asher (CNN): Influential voice for business and African global news.

13. Yalda Hakim (Sky News): Renowned for high-stakes international interviews.

14. Femi Oke (Al Jazeera): A leading voice in global social media and interactive news.

15. Bret Baier (Fox News): The standard-bearer for political reporting on Fox.

16. Nima Elbagir (CNN): Award-winning investigative reporter for human rights.

17. Jeremy Bowen (BBC): Longtime Middle East editor and conflict specialist.

18. Mika Brzezinski (MS NOW): Co-host of Morning Joe, influential in US policy circles.

19. Amol Rajan (BBC): Leading figure in media reporting and high-level interviews.

20. Jonathan Swan (NYT): Famed for “breakthrough” interviews and political scoops.