Cnn Effect
Running Head: CNN EFFECT
CNN EFFECT
CNN Effect
Senior policy-makers acknowledge that they often first learn of new trouble spots around the globe from cable channel news coverage. World leaders often direct messages to each other through these news channels. For example, enemies of the United States, such as Osama bin Laden often take advantage of the all-news channels to spread propaganda against the United States through videotaped statements. The Cable News Network (CNN), in particular, grew to have such an impact on politics and foreign policy that this phenomenon became known as the CNN effect. Although the CNN effect was first proposed several years ago, several aspects about the phenomenon remain controversial, including its definition and scholarly support of its true existence. This paper will discuss the origins of CNN effect, the proposed mechanism of the effect, and viewpoints of those who do and do not support its existence. Additionally, I will propose future consequences of the CNN effect.
In the early 1980’s Ted Turner produced the Cable News Network, the first global news network more commonly known as CNN. CNN would soon become one of the first global news networks to broadcast news around the clock and around the world (Gilboa, 2005). However, it was not until the Gulf War in 1990 that CNN’s role in international relations became significant (Gilboa, 2005). During the Gulf War, CNN was the only network left on air after smart missiles destroyed the Iraqi communications network, which both the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) relied upon for media coverage. With ABC and NBC unable to broadcast coverage from Iraq, CNN was the only American television network broadcasting “real time television” from Iraq for the next two weeks (Bahador, 2007). Consequently, subscription to the relatively new CNN increased substantially and the network’s recognition and prestige surged as it became
CNN EFFECT
CNN Effect
Senior policy-makers acknowledge that they often first learn of new trouble spots around the globe from cable channel news coverage. World leaders often direct messages to each other through these news channels. For example, enemies of the United States, such as Osama bin Laden often take advantage of the all-news channels to spread propaganda against the United States through videotaped statements. The Cable News Network (CNN), in particular, grew to have such an impact on politics and foreign policy that this phenomenon became known as the CNN effect. Although the CNN effect was first proposed several years ago, several aspects about the phenomenon remain controversial, including its definition and scholarly support of its true existence. This paper will discuss the origins of CNN effect, the proposed mechanism of the effect, and viewpoints of those who do and do not support its existence. Additionally, I will propose future consequences of the CNN effect.
In the early 1980’s Ted Turner produced the Cable News Network, the first global news network more commonly known as CNN. CNN would soon become one of the first global news networks to broadcast news around the clock and around the world (Gilboa, 2005). However, it was not until the Gulf War in 1990 that CNN’s role in international relations became significant (Gilboa, 2005). During the Gulf War, CNN was the only network left on air after smart missiles destroyed the Iraqi communications network, which both the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) relied upon for media coverage. With ABC and NBC unable to broadcast coverage from Iraq, CNN was the only American television network broadcasting “real time television” from Iraq for the next two weeks (Bahador, 2007). Consequently, subscription to the relatively new CNN increased substantially and the network’s recognition and prestige surged as it became
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