CNN

Definition

CNN, or Cable News Network, is a news channel known for its 24-hour news coverage and for being one of the first television channels to provide round-the-clock news. It plays a significant role in political news selection and presentation, influencing public perception and shaping narratives in the media landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CNN was launched in 1980 and revolutionized the way news is consumed by offering live coverage of breaking news events.
2. The network is known for its significant influence on political discourse, often setting the agenda for public discussion around key issues.
3. CNN employs a range of correspondents and analysts to provide expert opinions, contributing to the depth of political reporting.
4. The channel has faced criticism for perceived biases in its reporting, which has sparked debates about media objectivity in political coverage.
5. CNN's use of graphics, polls, and interactive segments enhances viewer engagement and can shape audience perception of political events.

Review Questions

• How does CNN's 24-hour news cycle influence the selection and presentation of political news?
  • CNN's 24-hour news cycle allows for real-time reporting, which can lead to the rapid selection of political stories based on current events. This immediacy can prioritize breaking news over in-depth analysis, affecting how stories are presented to viewers. The constant flow of information also encourages networks to cover trending topics extensively, sometimes at the expense of less sensational but equally important issues.
• Evaluate the impact of CNN's reporting style on public perception of political events.
  • CNN's reporting style often emphasizes breaking news and analysis through expert commentary, which can significantly shape public perception. By framing stories with specific angles and using visual graphics, CNN influences how viewers interpret political developments. This style can create urgency around certain topics while potentially downplaying others, thus steering public discourse in particular directions.
• Analyze the role of CNN in shaping political narratives and its implications for democracy.
  • CNN plays a crucial role in shaping political narratives through its extensive coverage and framing techniques. By highlighting specific issues while potentially sidelining others, CNN can influence voter perceptions and opinions on critical matters. This power raises important questions about media responsibility and its effects on democracy; if certain narratives dominate public discourse while others are neglected, it may lead to an informed electorate that lacks a complete understanding of important political dynamics.

Related terms

24-Hour News Cycle: A continuous news broadcasting model that allows for news stories to be reported and updated throughout the day and night.

Media Bias: The perceived bias of journalists and news producers within the mass media in the selection of events and stories that are reported.

Political Framing: The way in which media presents an issue or story, influencing how the audience interprets it through specific angles or perspectives.