Fox News’ Martha MacCallum Anchors Network’s 24th Year at the Top
NEW YORK, January 30, 2026 – As Fox News Channel closes out January 2026 by marking its 24th consecutive year as America’s top-rated cable news network, anchor Martha MacCallum remains a cornerstone of its daytime lineup. Her program, “The Story with Martha MacCallum,” continues to draw significant audiences, averaging 1.9 million viewers on weekday afternoons.
Ratings Dominance and Program Profile
Fox News Channel (FNC) has solidified its position as the dominant force in cable news, commanding nearly 60% of the cable news audience share in January 2026. MacCallum’s 3 PM/ET timeslot is a key part of that success. “The Story” focuses on issues its producers deem most important to Americans, featuring interviews with top newsmakers and political analysts. The show follows “America’s Newsroom” and precedes “The Will Cain Show,” which has also seen growth in its 4 PM slot.
Key Facts & Recent Segments
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Show & Timeslot | “The Story with Martha MacCallum,” Weekdays, 3 PM/ET |
| January 2026 Viewership | Averaged 1.9 million viewers |
| Network Milestone | 24 consecutive years as #1 cable news network |
| Recent Notable Interview | House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who pleaded ignorance about a mass arrest of anti-ICE protesters in New York City |
| Recent Hard-Hitting Segment | Grilled Border Patrol union boss Paul Perez on whether agents acted “above board” during the shooting of Alex Pretti |
| Historical Interview Highlights | Has interviewed President Donald Trump, General David Petraeus, and moderated a 2020 town hall with Trump alongside Bret Baier |
Recent On-Air Moments and Context
MacCallum’s recent broadcasts have featured pointed exchanges with political figures. Her interview with Leader Jeffries, where he appeared unaware of the protest arrests, left the anchor visibly surprised. In a separate segment, she pressed Border Patrol union representative Paul Perez for clarity on the conduct of federal agents involved in a recent shooting. These interviews are consistent with the show’s format of engaging directly with officials on contentious issues.
Her role as a key Fox News personality extends beyond her daily show. In 2023, she and Bret Baier presided over the first Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee. The network itself continues to operate under the shadow of past legal challenges, having reached a $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems in a defamation lawsuit last year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Martha MacCallum’s show air?
“The Story with Martha MacCallum” airs on Fox News Channel weekdays at 3 PM Eastern Time (12 PM Pacific Time).
How long has Fox News been the top-rated cable news network?
As of January 2026, Fox News Channel has been the number one network in cable news for 24 consecutive years, a streak that began in 2002.
Who are some of the notable figures Martha MacCallum has interviewed?
Throughout her career, MacCallum has interviewed political heavyweights including President Donald Trump, General David Petraeus, former First Lady Laura Bush, and numerous presidential candidates. Her recent guests include House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.