Unfortunately, CNN was doing a better job this morning...

CNN/FOX/MSNBC | September 12, 2001 | KillerWabbit

[KillerWabbit]

I got up early to check the cable news channels for new video images of the tragedy, and found that CNN had compiled a stunning video essay which included the first WTC strike, and some moving street level amateur footage.

Fox on the other hand was showing brief clips in little boxes, and when they did run full screen, the info graphics at the bottom obliterated a full third of the picture! In one case the most vital part of the image of the second plane striking was completely hidden behind the slick "Terror in America" logo and infographics.

So I hate to say it, but CNN had me glued to it for quite a while, and Fox just annoyed me.

While I'm ranting I might as well mention that this tragedy is once again showcasing the ego of broadcast journalists and their hunger for camera face time, thinking we'd rather look at their pusses and hear their pithy dramatic comments than seeing the real news and what's going on -- sometimes right behind them, but their heads are in the way so we can't see! And they think we've all sit in front of the tube and have hours to spend waiting for the next recap so we can see the important footage? Wrong.

< /rant >

[jporcus]

I hate to say it, but I agree with you.

[Clinton's a rapist]

I was amazed not to see or hear obvious questions about the extent of the evacuation of the WTC buildings discussed today. That would seem highly pertinent.

[12B]

In CNN's defense they did seem to be helping out by announcing blood donation hotlines and by running announcements for National Guard unit members to report to their units.

[DallasSun]

I agree with you. I was a Fox faithful for the last two years. No more. When a big story comes out, I am on CNN for the longhaul. I kept going back to Fox for a few minutes yesterday and always ended up going back to CNN. Fox cannot compare when a story like this hits. Maybe lack of experience but they tend to lean to the trashy/sleazy tabloid journalism also which I have not patience with. I tried hard to be patient with Fox. To no avail.

[DallasSun]

Also, they paid tribute to Barbara Olson several times yesterday. I kept checking to see if Fox was going to do the same as she worked for both networks. Fox may have done so and I missed it though.

[KillerWabbit]

I kept going back to Fox for a few minutes yesterday and always ended up going back to CNN.

And it's annoying to have to do that, isn't it... But even CNN got bogged down with droning talking heads for a while this morning.

[oldvike]

Unfortunately, you are right. Both CNN and MSNBC did a much better job over the past few hours of covering this event. Don't really know what Fox's problem is.

[DallasSun]

Yes. Annoying. When I would go back to CNN I had obviously missed the first three words of whatever they were saying..which would have explained what they were talking about. I am not a channel surfer. I leave that to my husband. But CNN and MSNBC both outdid Fox yesterday. And for awhile now.

[NEPA]

We don't get Fox News but yesterday the Fox affiliate had Fox News on instead of regular programming. I thought great, I finally get to see Fox News. I wasn't impressed.

I kept waiting for them to say something about Barbara Olson but gave up and switched to MSNBC and caught it.

[membrsince]

The Desert Storm war created CNN; this war may save it. CNN still has some reporters and news people left, and has contacts with stringers all over the world.

Fox is all tabloid and talking heads. Talking heads are good for nothing when there is actual news around to report.

[NYpeanut]

I really, really hate to say it, but I agree, too. I found myself switching back to CNN all day long. Gee, I hated to say that.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

CNN did a credible job yesterday and deserves credit. It remains to be seen how they will treat this story over the course of the rescue, cleanup, and our response(s). I suspect they will handle the first two very well, then introduce bias when it comes to legislative steps to improve our declining domestic security, military, foreign intelligence, etc.

Don't rush to judgement on CNN vs. Fox's performance, who is responsible for the attack, or what are the appropriate short and long term measures we need to take.

God's Speed to the rescue teams and to our President.

[goldstategop]

Is that where the Communist News Network has the edge? Giving you the exciting stuff? No wonder Fox all of a sudden looks like a frumpy dowager in comparison to the CNN young hot babe. Even conservatives find it hard to resist the siren call of liberal youthfulness... LOL!!!

[DallasSun]

I was disappointed also at the lack of mention or tribute to Barbara Olson. But was glad to see CNN pay tribute to her and remember her so often. I said on another thread that Larry King, on whose show she appeared regularly, said one could not know Mrs. Olson and not love her.

[LADY J]

'the info graphics at the bottom obliterated a full third of the picture! In one case the most vital part of the image of the second plane striking was completely hidden behind the slick "Terror in America" logo and infographics.'

I agree with you on this. That info graphic at the bottom of the screen is so annoying. There is no purpose for having it there!! Like we didn't know what we are watching!!

[DallasSun]

Tabloid is the key word there. Also, yesterday CNN's connections showed. Also, Fox used two videos that were exclusive to CNN and had to give them credit. It is done all the time, but had to hurt them to do it.

[KillerWabbit]

I suspect they will handle the first two very well, then introduce bias when it comes to legislative steps to improve our declining domestic security, military, foreign intelligence, etc.

And the ratings bump will be over, and they'll resume the slide.

If CNN ever does introduce balanced reporting, it would be a tough choice to make between them and Fox. But that ain't likely to happen...

But it is interesting how they can shine a bit when partisanship is on the back burner.

[KillerWabbit]

That info graphic at the bottom of the screen is so annoying.

If they feel they have to have it there, maybe they could start doing a little pan and scan to put the vital part of video into the remaining two thirds of the screen above the graphic. Or teach camera people to allow for the graphic when framing shots. Or even to what ESPN does and squeeze the picture so none of the action is lost.

[LADY J]

I went to the Fox URL - hoping to send an email...They had an 888 # - so convoluted that I gave it up!!! Not worth the bother.

If it continues - I'd rather switch than fight!!! Hate that too because Fox is my favorite for news.