TV+News+Update+3

**﻿** ﻿This //New York Times// article by Bill Carter shows that the cable television news company MSNBC is losing viewers to CNN and Fox News, the other two “big” cable television news entities due mainly the departure of Mr. Olbermann, the former host of MSNBC’s “Countdown” program, and the placement of CNN’s Anderson Cooper at the 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time slot. For this reason, this news article is important, because ratings is something that will always determine any shift in programming, and the “cutting” of the shows off the air due to low ratings. For example, MSNBC noted a “35% drop in viewers on Lawrence O’Donnel’s program the month of September.” This is most likely a precursor that if things do not get better for this cable television news industry, big changes may be possible in both their staff and hourly programming schedule. This is also important in lieu of the fact that next year is a crucial year for MSNBC and the other over the air and cable television news industries since the presidential election coverage is most likely going to be extensive throughout 2012. The way in which the television news coverage is done by the various television media outlets will determine the ratings each one gets. As of today, Fox News has around “610,000 viewers, doubling and even tripling the amounts of viewers that CNN and MSNBC have.” An important aspect of this news article is that the president of MSNBC Bill Griffin stated that “he is confident that MSNBC will see an increase in ratings as politics become the dominant story over the next year.” This statement may be true, but if other television news industries like Fox News still keep tripling your television cable news company in audience, it would be very difficult to reach or surpass Fox News and other television news industries in the amount of viewers they may have. Therefore, MSNBC’s continuous loss of audience, as the news article depicts is an indication that “the strategic changes that have been recently made by this network” are not giving the expected results that the MSNBC executives and president were hoping for. This demonstrates that the decisions that have been made have to a certain extent inhibited MSNBC from being in the first place of the most watched cable television news industry that Fox News currently dominates. It all comes down to how the television news industry as a whole structures itself in these difficult economic times that will determine not only who wins in ratings, but in the overall “survival” of any particular over the air or cable television news industry.
 * “MSNBC Is Close to Falling to Third Place in Cable News Ratings” **

[|New York Times article]

Manuel Martinez-Ortega

** "Glenn Beck's Children's Show: 'Liberty Treehouse' on GBTV" **

Glenn Beck, the conservative radio host, author, and political commentator for the Glenn Beck Program, is diving into new territory involving the television news industry. With the launch earlier this month of his new Internet based channel GBTV, comes the launch of a new news show with the target audience being children ages 8 to 15. The show, “The Liberty Treehouse,” is named after a rallying point during the American Revolution, which is very appropriate for this particular show because the show will be covering various topics including politics. The first show, which will be hosted by Raj Nair, will discuss what straw polls and debates are, and the important of them in politics. Although politics is one of the main features of the show, the children’s news show will also discuss history, news, and issues such as peer pressure and bullying. Veterinarian, James Rollins, will also be hosting segments on science. This type of show is a huge leap for Beck to take because politics in children’s programming remains very uncommon. Glenn Beck wanted a show for children that incorporated good values, which is why classic shows such as “Popeye” and “Superman” will be aired on GBTV’s “The Liberty Treehouse,” as well. This new children’s news show is Beck’s attempt to take a step out of his comfort zone with radio and FOX News, and try something different.

The real question is whether or not exposing children to controversial issues such as politics is a good idea or not. Then, there is also the fact that the show might be slightly biased due to the fact that Glenn Beck is known for being very conservative. Personally, although kids should be familiar with what polls and debates are, I think the show should keep out personal views of politics to eliminate all brainwashing that might occur. In the end, they are just kids and shouldn’t have to worry about the extremes of politics for a couple of more years, at least.

By: Taylor Baresic [|"The Liberty Treehouse"]


 * ABC News Partners with Yahoo! **

On October 3rd, ABC News and Yahoo announced a major alliance that will bring news content to over 100 million U.S. users each month. According to a press release concerning the merger, the "new venture blends ABC News' global newsgathering operation and unrivaled lineup of trusted anchors and reporters with Yahoo! News' unmatched audience, depth and breadth of content." ABC's //Good Morning America// will become the first news show to get its own dedicated website (http://www.GoodMorningAmerica.com), launching on Yahoo the same day the deal was made public. Three new online-first video series were also launched hosted by ABC News's most trusted and high-profile anchors.

George Stephanopoulos will become the first ABC News anchor to have a segment on the new "Newsmakers" video series, interviewing President Barack Obama no less. Both sides are heavily investing themselves into this new relationship, reportedly inking a long-term deal, although the specifics were not disclosed. I'm interested to see how this will affect the ratings for ABC news programs as well as the traffic of Yahoo! sites. Such a powerful merger could mean trouble for other news outlets in the TV News and online news markets. It will be interested to see how other cable news outlets are going to respond to such a threat.

 "//This relationship will give ABC News an unrivaled ability to reach// //across the Web, combining Yahoo!'s vast distribution and// //cutting-edge// //technology with our award-winning journalism.//" - **Ben Sherwood, President of ABC News** media type="custom" key="10765366" align="center" width="180" height="180"

ABC News, Yahoo! News Announce Online Alliance

By: **Josh French**

**Television and Newspapers React To Jobs' Death**
By: Laura Barrick

Today, October 5th, the world was in shock as Apple co-founder Steve Jobs passed away at the age 56 from pancreatic cancer. Because Jobs was such a significant contribution to Apple’s success, newspapers and television news networks have made Jobs’ passing their main topic in headlines and news stories. The Digital Home reported, “Outside of newspapers, television networks are also chronicling the life of Steve Jobs. CNN is holding special coverage of Jobs’ death, interviewing several figures with insight into his professional life, and discussing what the Apple co-founder’s impact was on both Silicon Valley and the mainstream market.” (Reisinger 1). As common with the death of an important public figure, Jobs’ death will be the leading story for television news stations not only across the country, but across the world. Jobs’ death already has and will continue to attract several more new viewers who might normally tune in to the morning/evening news. Without a doubt the learning of Jobs’ death has gotten the media’s full attention, what has maybe received more observation is what President Barack Obama has to say on the matter. “‘Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs,’ President Obama said in a statement. ‘Steve was among the greatest of American innovators- brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.’” (Reisigner 1). This is an incredible statement to be spoken of somebody by the president of our country, and television news networks are “chomping at the bit” with this announcement in their news broadcasts as well.



[|Television and Newspapers React To Jobs' Death]

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