CNN

Definition

CNN, or Cable News Network, is an American news channel that was launched in 1980 as the first 24-hour news television channel. It revolutionized the way news is reported by providing continuous coverage and live updates, significantly impacting the journalism landscape and audience expectations regarding news delivery.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CNN was founded by Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld in 1980, marking a pivotal moment in broadcast journalism as the first all-news channel.
2. The network gained significant prominence during major events like the Gulf War in 1991, where it provided real-time coverage and updates directly from the battlefield.
3. CNN's format included live reporting, expert interviews, and analysis, setting a new standard for news coverage that many other networks would later adopt.
4. The advent of digital platforms has allowed CNN to expand its reach beyond television, offering online streaming and extensive social media engagement.
5. Despite facing criticism over issues like bias and sensationalism, CNN remains a major player in global news media, influencing public opinion and shaping narratives.

Review Questions

• How did CNN change the landscape of news reporting since its inception?
  • CNN transformed news reporting by introducing the concept of 24-hour coverage, which allowed for continuous updates on breaking news stories. This format changed audience expectations, as viewers began to expect instant access to information at any time. The network's approach to live reporting during critical events set a new benchmark for journalistic standards and reshaped how news was consumed.
• Evaluate the impact of CNN's coverage during significant historical events on public perception and trust in journalism.
  • CNN's extensive coverage of events like the Gulf War established it as a reliable source of information during crises, which initially enhanced public trust in televised journalism. However, this trust has fluctuated over the years due to accusations of bias and sensationalism. As audiences increasingly rely on social media for news, CNN's influence on public perception has become more complex, with both positive and negative implications for journalism as a whole.
• Assess the implications of CNN’s transition to digital platforms on the future of journalism.
  • CNN's shift to digital platforms reflects broader trends in journalism where audiences demand immediate access to news through various online channels. This transition presents challenges such as maintaining journalistic integrity amidst the pressures of speed and virality while also competing with an influx of misinformation. The evolving landscape necessitates that CNN adapts its strategies to not only survive but thrive in an era where traditional viewership declines while digital engagement rises, fundamentally altering how journalism is practiced and perceived.

Related terms

Breaking News: A term used to describe information that is currently unfolding and is of significant importance, often reported immediately as events develop.

News Cycle: The period of time between the release of news and its consumption by the public, which has accelerated due to digital media and 24-hour news channels like CNN.

Cable News: Television news delivered via cable networks, known for their round-the-clock broadcasting and often featuring a mix of breaking news, analysis, and opinion segments.