CNN tops Fox in key age group

Powered by campaign coverage, CNN scored a rare ratings win over top-ranked Fox News in February, attracting more 25- to 54-year-old viewers -- the key advertising demographic -- during prime time for the first time in six years.

CNN drew an average of 614,000 viewers in that age group, an increase of 150% over February 2007, while Fox News earned 454,000 viewers, up 10%, according to Nielsen Media Research. MSNBC placed third with 326,000 viewers, an increase of 71%.

Fox News still won a bigger audience overall in February, with 1.87 million viewers in prime time, making it the third-most watched among all basic-cable networks (behind USA and TNT). CNN had 1.66 million (fifth place overall) and MSNBC drew 771,000.

-- Matea Gold