Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner received the Excellence in Journalism Award at the Nestpoint Foundation’s inaugural American Exceptionalism Awards Gala Thursday at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater.
“Harris Faulkner exemplifies the very best of who we are – a nation of leaders, dreamers, and doers,” said John Thomas, founder of the Nestpoint Foundation. “The free press is the linchpin of democracy, and we rely on journalists like Harris to keep the story of American exceptionalism alive for generations to come.”
Faulkner posted some photos of her arriving at the event on social media.
For the first time, her Fox News show, “The Faulkner Focus,” drew more viewers than the ABC daytime left-wing gabfest “The View.”
“Heartfelt gratitude to the beloved viewers of FOX and Faulkner Focus. And big thanks to Forbes for showing our 11 am ET daytime team some love,” the Fox News host said on X.
The recognition is more notable given that The View airs on broadcast television and reaches a broader audience, while Faulkner’s program is limited to cable subscribers. As more viewers shift away from traditional cable, her continued success comes despite a shrinking potential audience.
“I could not grab this big win without my wonderful team,” Faulkner told Forbes. “It’s a testament to the hard work and passion we put into bringing Americans the latest news and analysis on what matters most to them. The Faulkner Focus is a place where audiences can tune in and know their questions about the day’s headlines will be answered with respect for all sides, and we are proud viewers continue to choose us at 11 a.m.”
Fox News also had its best month ever earlier this year as its primetime shows averaged an audience of 2.8 million with an average of 353,000 viewers in the key demographic of adults 25-54 that is most coveted by advertisers.
“As we mark 23 years as America’s most-watched cable news network, I would like to thank our incredible team both on and off the camera for their dedication to delivering the best product in news,” Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said. “Each year, we surpass new milestones, continue to innovate, and outperform the competition due to their tireless efforts and I could not be prouder.”
Other networks have not been having similar success.
In what senior executives are calling an attempt to modernize their business model, CNN and NBC announced ahead of summer they were planning to lay off hundreds of staffers, though, for the time being, the cuts will not extend to on-air talent.
CNN CEO Mark Thompson announced that job cuts were coming in a memo to staff on Thursday, confirming CNBC’s report from Wednesday about the upcoming reductions. In the memo, Thompson stated that CNN does not anticipate a significant decrease in total staff this year, as the company plans to invest $70 million in new digital initiatives.
“I know that whatever the total number of job losses, the impact on the individuals involved can be immense,” Thompson wrote in the memo, obtained by CNBC. “The process of change is essential if we’re to thrive in the future, but I both acknowledge and regret its very real human consequences.”
In all, the cable broadcaster is planning staff reductions of about 6 percent, or somewhere in the neighborhood of 210 job cuts.
The layoffs come as CNN restructures its linear TV programming as well and focuses on expanding its digital subscription offerings. The cuts are intended to reduce production costs and streamline operations, according to sources familiar with the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal decisions.
Some shows produced in New York or Washington may be relocated to Atlanta, where production costs are lower, the sources added.
