The solution to the politics of satellite television
It’s a new day in American politics. There is a new president, a new crisis and since 2006, a new majority in Congress. As is always the case with our democracy, with each new leadership there is a new opposition. Breaking news options used to be limited to the big three networks and their evening newscasts. However, viewers have declared that they want more and elevated cable news channels to undeniable market share. How can you fix your policy twenty-four hours a day? Satellite TV is a great way to make it happen.
Each network can point to a moment when its existence went from fragile to essential. For CNN, it was definitely the Gulf War. From “Stormin'” Norman Schwarzkopf to the Butcher of Baghdad, personalities had star power usually reserved for Hollywood. Add CNN host Wolf Blitzer to the mix and you have iconic names that only a screenwriter could have come up with. But it was reality, and since the early 1990s Blitzer has been one of the most respected anchors in the business. Viewers can watch it every day on Situation Room, broadcast on CNN HD. The Situation Room is a balanced look at the daily news, from political pieces to reports on celebrities and the economy.
Of course, the big chains have not been left out. The NBC empire found a way to stay in the loop by using cable channels to expand its reach and maintain its market share. Satellite television subscribers can tune in to MSNBC for the latest in politics, with shows like Chris Mathews’s Hardball. Much like the sound of his name, Mathews is known for his confrontational style during question and answer sessions with politicians. Since his attacks are usually aimed at getting straight answers, sometimes impossible with politicians, Mathews has endeared himself to an audience tired of the formal and hollow interviews typical of the news industry. Like any good shooter, Mathews doesn’t give many free passes in hardball.
As for its sister network CNBC, now available in high-definition format, the focus is business. With live reports from Wall Street and financial centers around the world, CNBC is a great way for an investor to stay on top of trends in an increasingly volatile market. Accused of abusing its influence and somehow fueling the bull market that led to the economic downturn, CNBC has some ground to make up when it comes to public trust.
If you’re looking for something with a more conservative twist, Fox News Channel and Fox Business Channel offer the alternative to an industry many consider left-leaning. You won’t find any liberals on Fox (unless they’re on the bench) and you can see how the GOP plans to bounce back after recent losses in the national elections.
Finally, if you’re sick of serious politics, check out John Stewart’s daily show on Comedy Central. By offering a critical and often hilarious take on the news, Stewart proves that even reporting can be funny. With satellite television, everyone presents their cases; you can decide for yourself.