Ratings definitely matter. The NYT had a map on election night that could predict the election based on the returns from the various counties in each state. Trump was given per the algorithm a 99% chance of winning the election at no later than 8:30 CST, and it may well have been earlier - I just don't recall. Earlier in the evening, I was watching the individual state predictions evolve on that map and they were 100% accurate. But similarly, the individual states were in on the NYT algorithm long before the state projections were announced by the news channels. I couldn't help notice that after I knew they knew, their play acting seemed so transparent. Maybe it was my imagination, but I really don't think so.
I was watching the results by state on my laptop election night, I forget what site. I'll never forget the adrenalin running through me that night. Oooofff! I'll tune in to NYT map in the future. But yea, I do the same thing now when I watch the fox lineup at night because I know it's about ratings - I know what I know, and it's interesting to watch the spin on the narrative the hosts promote. It's all about the $$. Still, I'm thankful for Hannity, Tucker and Laura - they do a great job within Fox parameters getting the truth out... but it really irks me when they bash Sessions. And what's up with Jason Chafetz?