Fox News had a strong April, managing to eek out small gains in total day viewers while MSNBC and CNN were flat or down. The network’s news programs saw the biggest bumps, while more recent additions to the lineup proved their worth.

The ratings for April, 2012:

• Primetime (Mon-Sun): 1.850M Total Viewers / 395K A25-54
• Total Day (Mon-Sun): 1.086M Total Viewers / 273K A25-54

FNC’s dayside news programming was up double digits from the same month last year in the adults 25-54 demo. “America Live,” anchored by Megyn Kelly, was up +30% during the 1 PM hour and +35% in the 2 Pm hour. “Happening Now” was up 34% compared to last year, while “Studio B” was up 32%.

Two more recent additions to FNC’s lineup had blockbuster months. “The Five” had its best month yet in the ratings among total viewers, while the new 5 AM show “Fox & Friends First” gave FNC its best ratings in the timeslot since Hurricane Katrina coverage in 2005.

FNC’s primetime programs did not have the same ratings gains as their dayside counterparts, and were down -9% compared to last year.

That said, FNC had the top 13 programs in cable news among total viewers, and 13 of the top 15 in the demo, led by its primetime programs.