MSNBC

Definition

MSNBC is an American cable news television channel that is owned by the NBCUniversal News Group division of NBCUniversal, which is a subsidiary of Comcast. MSNBC's programming focuses on progressive political commentary and analysis, making it a prominent liberal/left-leaning media outlet in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. MSNBC was launched in 1996 as a partnership between NBC News and Microsoft, with the goal of providing a liberal/progressive counterpoint to the conservative-leaning Fox News Channel.
2. MSNBC's programming features a mix of news reporting, political analysis, and opinion-based talk shows, with hosts such as Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O'Donnell, and Chris Hayes.
3. MSNBC's news coverage and commentary are often viewed as more partisan and ideologically driven compared to other mainstream news outlets, reflecting the channel's left-leaning political orientation.
4. The rise of MSNBC and other partisan media outlets has been linked to the increasing political polarization in the United States, as people tend to seek out news sources that align with their existing beliefs and values.
5. MSNBC's influence and reputation have been the subject of ongoing debates about the role of the media in shaping public opinion and the potential impact of media bias on the democratic process.

Review Questions

• Explain how MSNBC's programming and political orientation relate to the concept of human behavior being partially predictable (2.3 Human Behavior Is Partially Predictable).
  • MSNBC's left-leaning political orientation and focus on progressive commentary reflects the tendency of individuals to seek out and consume media that aligns with their existing beliefs and values. This phenomenon, known as confirmation bias, is an example of how human behavior can be partially predictable, as people often gravitate towards information that reinforces their preexisting worldviews. The rise of partisan media outlets like MSNBC has contributed to the increasing political polarization in the United States, as people tend to surround themselves with like-minded individuals and information sources, making it more difficult to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground across ideological divides.
• Discuss how MSNBC, as a media institution, can influence the political process and public opinion (12.1 The Media as a Political Institution: Why Does It Matter?).
  • As a prominent media institution, MSNBC has the potential to shape political discourse and public opinion through its news coverage, commentary, and the framing of political issues. By providing a platform for progressive voices and perspectives, MSNBC can amplify certain narratives and viewpoints, potentially influencing how the public perceives and understands political events and candidates. This power of the media to influence the political process is a key reason why the media is considered a political institution, as it can play a significant role in shaping the public's understanding of political issues and the democratic process.
• Analyze how the rise of partisan media outlets like MSNBC has contributed to the changing media landscape and the declining global trust in the media (12.2 Types of Media and the Changing Media Landscape || 12.5 Declining Global Trust in the Media).
  • The proliferation of partisan media outlets like MSNBC, which cater to specific ideological audiences, has been a significant factor in the changing media landscape and the declining global trust in the media. As the media landscape has become more fragmented, with people gravitating towards news sources that align with their political beliefs, there has been a growing concern about the prevalence of media bias, the spread of misinformation, and the erosion of journalistic standards. This shift towards more partisan and opinion-driven media has contributed to the perception that the media is no longer objective or trustworthy, as it is seen as serving the interests of particular political factions rather than the public interest. The declining trust in the media has important implications for the functioning of a healthy democracy, as it can undermine the media's role as a watchdog and a source of reliable information for the public.

Related terms

Cable News: Cable news refers to television channels that provide 24-hour news coverage, typically featuring a mix of live news reporting, political commentary, and discussion programs.

Media Bias: Media bias refers to the tendency of journalists or news organizations to present information in a way that favors or disfavors a particular political ideology, viewpoint, or interest group.

Political Polarization: Political polarization is the process by which the political beliefs and values of an individual or a group become increasingly extreme, leading to a growing divide between different factions or ideological groups within a society.