In yesterday's New York Times, there was an article about CNN's ratings during this primary season. The article notes that for the month of February, CNN beat out Fox News during prime time. The then goes on to list a litany of things that CNN has done since 2006 that shows it's moving forward. However, the article also notes that Fox News still won February overall and "CNN is still regularly trounced in the ratings by Fox News."
Why do I bring up an article about the success of CNN? Well, the article fails to mention one very important thing that may be more important than all the other changes the article lists: CNN is the only cable news network that broadcasts in HD. To anyone out there with an HD TV, and there are an ever-increasing number of them, high definition makes a world of difference compared to non-HD. Are there other cable news channels I'd much rather watch, very much so, but having to watch them in non-HD is frustrating. CNN has way too many panelists for one show (8 at two tables!!!), but having it all broadcast in loving HD makes them somewhat tolerable. Plus, the CNN map in HD is much more impressive then Fox's attempt at their board in non-HD.
So, to Fox News and MSNBC: if you want to improve your ratings during prime-time primary season, upgrade to HD. Yes, you may think people don't want to see your talking heads in HD, but if people can put up with Paul Begala's 1,000 teeth, his cringe-inducing smirk, and the over-application of make-up, then I'm sure people can deal with Fred Barnes' smirks and Pat Buchanan's attempt at hiding his balding head in HD.
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1 comment:
I think it's because they're fair and balanced, but even if that's a lie, it's a lie that looks better in HD.
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