The Q3 2006 numbers are out. FNC is noting that all the cable networks were down from Q3 2005 (due to last years devastating Hurricane season spiking viewer interest)…

All three cable news networks posted losses in September and third quarter 2006 vs. the same period last year with CNN witnessing the largest losses in September, according to Nielsen Media Research. FOX News Channel (FNC) continued its dominance for the month and quarter, beating CNN and MSNBC combined in both total day and primetime viewers and capturing nine out of the top 10 programs in cable news.

In September 2006, CNN suffered the sharpest declines in both total day and primetime viewers and demo over the same period last year. In total day, the long time number two news network was down 60% in viewers and 64% in the 25-54 demo. The losses were even more significant in primetime, with CNN losing 61% in viewers and 68% in the demo. Although it had more viewers to lose over last year, FNC posted smaller losses in each of these categories.

In 3Q 2006, FNC averaged 891,000 viewers in total day (down 28% vs. 3Q ‘05) while CNN garnered 548,000 viewers (down 21%) and MSNBC attracted just 263,000 (down 12%). In Prime Time, FNC averaged 1,462,000 viewers for the quarter (down 35% vs. 3Q ‘05) while CNN averaged 856,000 viewers (down 24%) and MSNBC averaged 366,000 viewers (down 22%).

In the 3Q ’06 demo for September, FNC again maintained its lead with a Prime Time average of 400,000 (down 39%), while CNN had just 278,000 (down 32%) and MSNBC averaged 154,000 (down 26%). In Total Day, FNC led again with an average of 290,000 (down 28%), while CNN averaged 202,000 (down 22%) and MSNBC averaged 117,000 (down 11%)

FNC also maintained nine of the top 10 shows in cable news for the quarter ranked on viewers. The O’Reilly Factor remained cable news’ most watched program with 2,057,000 viewers. Rounding off the top five were Hannity & Colmes with 1,637,000 viewers, On the Record With Greta Van Susteren with 1,408,000 viewers, Special Report with Brit Hume with 1,349,000 viewers and The FOX Report with Shepard Smith with 1,333,000 viewers. Larry King again dropped to less than one million viewers (963,000) and remained CNN’s only show among the top ten cable news programs.

In September, Jon Klein’s signature programs were down sharply across the board. The Situation Room saw of 64% loss in viewership in all three afternoon hours, and a 65% loss in its 7pm hour. In addition, Anderson Cooper 360 was down a whopping 60% and Paula Zahn Now lost 69% of her viewership over last year.

Here’s a pair of charts showing Q3 2006 vs. Q3 2005 and September 2006 vs. September 2005. Apologies for the large graphic…