CNN

Definition

CNN, or Cable News Network, is a news channel that was launched in 1980 as the first all-news cable television channel. It revolutionized news broadcasting by providing continuous news coverage, which played a significant role in the shift from traditional network dominance to a cable era where specialized content became key in attracting viewers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CNN was founded by Ted Turner and launched on June 1, 1980, marking a significant moment in broadcast history as it was the first channel to provide 24-hour news coverage.
2. The channel gained prominence during major events such as the Gulf War in 1991, where its live coverage helped redefine expectations for real-time news reporting.
3. CNN's format allowed it to cover breaking news extensively, often leading the way in how stories were reported compared to traditional networks that followed a fixed schedule.
4. The rise of CNN coincided with the broader growth of cable television in the 1980s and 1990s, which offered viewers a greater variety of channels and programming options.
5. CNN's influence led to the emergence of other news networks and the development of new reporting styles that catered to a more immediate audience, changing how news is consumed.

Review Questions

• How did CNN's launch impact the landscape of television news broadcasting?
  • CNN's launch in 1980 was groundbreaking as it introduced the concept of 24-hour news coverage, which drastically changed how audiences consumed news. Unlike traditional networks that operated on a set schedule, CNN provided real-time updates on current events. This shift encouraged other networks to develop similar formats and led to increased competition among channels, ultimately changing viewer expectations for immediacy in news reporting.
• Discuss the significance of CNN's coverage during major events like the Gulf War in shaping public perception of news media.
  • CNN's extensive live coverage during the Gulf War positioned it as a critical player in shaping public perception of news media. The network's ability to provide continuous updates and reports from the battlefield showcased its commitment to real-time journalism. This not only increased CNN's viewership but also highlighted the importance of immediate information access, setting new standards for how breaking news is covered across all media platforms.
• Evaluate how CNN's establishment influenced the rise of other cable news networks and transformed viewer habits over time.
  • CNN's establishment set a precedent for specialized news channels, leading to the rise of competitors like MSNBC and Fox News. The introduction of the 24-hour news cycle changed viewer habits, as audiences became accustomed to having constant access to information. This shift not only influenced how news was reported but also contributed to a culture where immediacy and breaking stories took precedence over in-depth analysis. As a result, viewers began to expect instant updates on events as they unfolded, fundamentally altering the media landscape.

Related terms

MSNBC: A cable news channel that focuses on political commentary and news analysis, often positioning itself as a competitor to CNN.

24-Hour News Cycle: The practice of continuously covering news events and stories around the clock, leading to an increase in breaking news coverage and real-time reporting.

Cable Television: A system of delivering television programming via coaxial or fiber-optic cables, which expanded viewing options beyond traditional broadcast channels.