While in the recent past as the world continues to embrace the information age, the leading American news channel has undergone a drastic change. The presence of a vast range of sources, from traditional broadcasting to streaming platforms, are present. By familiarizing ourselves with the most popular American news channels it will be easier to know who leads in this highly competitive game.
American News Channels
The Giants of American News Channels
When discussing American news channels, three names often emerge at the forefront: CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. The network has segmented the American population where each channel targets a unique set of people.
CNN is another network established in 1980 and is associated with international approach and news breaking. It is intended to offer comprehensive analysis and as many reports as possible covering events in the country and internationally. Popular for its objective reporting, CNN has been well-appreciated by base of consumers in intelli-turn, who patronage the station, amid those seeking balanced and informed news without political bias. But in the last few years the show has experienced varying results, which made many doubt about its continued place of importance in a fast evolving media landscape.
On the other hand, fox news has been playing the role of conservative friendly television news channel from the moment it was launched in 1996. Also its format includes both conventional news updates and commentators’ shows selectively tailored for target viewership. Fox News garnered much of its success in its ability to provide content that resonates with the viewer’s ideology and this is a sure fire way to capture a portion of market share. It is through this channel that it can get in touch with its audience, activate them and draw the attention of more people thus qualities that make this channel a ratings giant especially during election periods.
MSNBC, was also formed in mid 1990s, but it targeted itself as liberal and an opposite to both CNN and Fox News. IT regularly covers liberal points of view well with famous speakers and the political news commentary that is helpful for viewers who are interested in social and political issues. In the years, MSNBC has successfully built loyal viewership, especially the youthful people who want news from a liberal perspective.
This paper takes a historical approach to present an understanding of the Rise of Digital News Platforms.
However, those traditional players have been joined by the digital news platforms as part of the changing dynamics of the American news ecosystem. Sources like Vice News, Huff Post or The Young Turks appeared, targeted at those customers who do not need mainstream news focused on general concerns. These platforms involve more of story telling and creative piece such as videos and social media publicity which give them an opportunity to access their audience at their shift.
However, the growth of different podcasts or YouTube channels has added a new dimension of news consumption where ordinary people are exposed to news which is much more casual and perhaps closer to them. Ever increasing number of people in USA looks towards these channels for news, people want to hear something which is appealing to them and their opinions.
Engagement of Audience and Credibility
This is an essential criterion when identifying the primary hierarchy of American News channels to acquire the largest audience. Authentic content marketing strategy that establish a community in a certain platform tend to have higher loyalty and viewership. Fox News, for example has effectively engaged its audience mainly through its shows and social media pages that assertively seeks the viewers input.
On the opposite side, credibility remains to be a chief worry of many consumers of news. Growing use of false information and so-called ‘misleading information’ have led to lack of trust to media channels and thus forced the viewers to look for credible media channels. It means that those media outlets that focus on credible, independent and balanced reporting are going to gain the Victoria society’s trust, which is gradually eroding.
Conclusion
This panel of American news channels is as also diverse as the United States of America itself because every channel targets different demographic of society. Some of these news outlets are CNN, fox news, MSNBC but with the advent of the digital news other platform such as the social media have added demographics to news. In the end, of course, it all depends as to who is the leader and who is the follower, and this largely depends on the number of fans, credibility, and orientation to constantly changing trends in media consumption.
However, as consumers of news it is important to engage in this process with much contemplation. Regardless of the orientation to the detailed coverage of the events, division of the news into the opinions of the channel hosts, or progressive view on the situation offered by MSNBC, the choice must be made to be informed. The growing availability of information puts citizens in a position in which they are capable of being informed about the relative strengths and weaknesses of America news channels.