News War Blogs Discussion

Chapter 17: “Network News: Then and Now”

The main argument of this chapter was to show the way that news shows have changed over the years—before the 80s, the focus was more on what the public needed to hear and learn about and what specifically impacted their lives. After the 80s, when “60 Minutes” appeared, networks realized that these shows can be profitable and became the new focus of news shows. Shows like “60 Minutes” and those that came after are grittier and more controversial—this draws viewers in and ultimately pushes economic gain for the networks. Before the 80s, news programs reported straight news; they discussed what was going on in the world and were more journalistic. After the 80s, shows were constructed more like magazine shows which featured anything that will draw viewers in. The “news” element was almost less important because it wasn’t about the news anymore. It was about what would get people to tune in which makes money.

I agree with the argument, though I didn’t think about it until watching the video. The only time that there are reports on news is on local shows like Action News or whatever your preferred local news station’s show is. But, the news shows that is emphasized and advertised are the shows like “60 Minutes” and “20/20”—the shows that come out of the new focus that began in the 80s with news shows. And, because I was born in the 80s, I have not known anything but shows like this because by the time I was born, things had clearly changed. Watching the clips from the old news shows looked boring to me because there wasn’t that “scandalous” story or a story that caused controversy. While, there are local shows that do focus strictly on delivering news, it is clear that the networks want to draw attention to the “Dateline” type of shows.

The way that this topic connects to blogging is that blogging has become such a phenomenon because the people have more control and input to what we read and hear. This is similar to the new type of news shows because after the 80s, the news shows began to include controversy and scandal which will ALWAYS draw people in. So, in some ways, the public’s opinion and voice is significant because the networks are catering to what they want to see and hear due to the fact that they are dependent on ratings. And, how do you have big ratings without the people? And, in order to get these ratings, you have to satisfy them. With blogging, there is something for everyone—if you want to know about what celebrities are doing, there are blogs for that; if you’re into sports, there are blogs for that; and, if there isn’t a blog that caters to your interest, you can create your own. In the case of the new types of news shows and blogs, the two are connected because they both are dependent on the public.

“Chapter 20: The Revolution’s New Synergies”

This chapter focused on the ways that the internet and TV news shows have crossed each other and over time, taken elements from each other and introduced it into their respective fields. It first talks about how certain networks began to connect their shows with the internet. It discussed how CBS created a blog that allowed people to ask questions and respond to news stories. But, networks saw the impact of the connection to internet when the Mark Foley scandal broke out. The story was popularized after a submission to a ABC news blog. This showed ABC as well as other networks that the internet can be beneficial to their popularity and reputation for reporting. The video also discusses the ways that internet websites like Yahoo! and Google have included more news elements into their websites. They both feature news stories on their homepages and with this addition, the number of visitors has increased.

I also agree with what this video discussed because now, every major network has some internet or blogging component. I think it’s a smart move on the networks’ part because the internet has become such a popular source for people, whether it’s for news or entertainment. I also think that Yahoo! Made smart moves with all of their news inclusions because it only increases their popularity and credibility. Now, they are more than just websites; they are now reliable news sources. You can check your email and be informed about the day’s scandal or world event all at the same time.

The way this video connects to blogging is obvious because it was what the video focused on. I think the video just showed how important it is to include and be mindful of the internet aspect of everything because everything is on the internet. And, with blogging, its even more important because people can use blogs to both read and express themselves. And, that attracts people as well because they can do it all with the network’s news blogs.

The Future of Blogs
I think that blogs will continue their dominance and popularity because it really is appealing to everyone. There is a blog for everyone. I think the fact that major networks are recognizing the significance shows how huge blogs are right now. Blogs can only get bigger and more popular because right now, there is nothing else like it. Blogs are the only places you can be informed about any aspect of the world and still speak your mind and express yourself. I am not sure if it can advance anymore than it already has or if it will take the place of TV news shows—but, it surely has given it competition and changed the ways that these networks function.