• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, May 11, 2018

In a recent tweet. President Trump says “91% of the Network News about me is negative (Fake).”  Trump loves his strong-willed messaging, as do we here at TV Watch.

However, we don’t want to focus on the last words of his tweet, but the first: 91%.

By Nielsen estimates, Fox News Channel is not only the leading cable TV news network -- in prime time and in total day ratings -- but top in cable TV networks.  

So let's go a bit granular. It isn’t much of a leap -- especially in its mostly opinion-oriented prime-time programs -- to say Fox News has been, in a major way, largely positive about Donald Trump and his administration.

Even adding up other cable TV network news' programming sources, it would be tough to get to the 91% number. And what about the other 9%? No surprise here: Trump didn’t have any Nielsen measurement links included to sustain his claim.

Many analysts would bluntly say the 91% number is, in fact, “fake news.” Unless, of course, they say you have proof.

Seemingly, Trump may be of two minds -- first using the word “negative” and then “fake” in parentheses. The first might imply that although not positive, the news is factually correct.

Just because he doesn't like the coverage doesn't mean it isn't true. news

Trump attempts to muddy the waters -- calling out most news as fake, is having a wearing effect on TV viewers, and maybe potential new voters, as well. But now, he has upped his game with some Trump-inspired TV data.

TV’s marketing effect for Trump may have changed a bit. Now, a year and a half into his presidency, the whole "fake news” moniker has less value -- for those who support him and those who don’t.

What then is the TV message going forward for Trump -- via tweets and other media messaging? Trump is a master at switching messaging gears when needed. Will 91% grow to 94% -- or sink back a bit to 87%?

Here’s more TV math that is missing:

During an early Thursday morning press conference at Joint Base Andrews outside the U.S. capital, welcoming the North Korean detainees who were released, Trump said to a crowd of journalists and others during a live TV press conference: “I think you probably broke the all time in history television rating for 3 o’clock in the morning.”

Note to Nielsen and other TV analytics companies: Trump needs help. All data/analysis is welcomed. I’m 91% sure our President will use these results in his next tweet.