Cable News Polarization?
The Atlantic’s Derek Thompson writes about comments Steve Capus made today at the Washington Ideas Forum…
Competition among cable news outlets can create an environment that is “harmful to journalism,” NBC News president Steve Capus said Wednesday at the Washington Ideas Forum in Washington, D.C. Responding to a question about the increasing polarization of politics, Capus said the “cable side” can sometimes amplify the national rancor.
NBC News is the home of political cable news network MSNBC, which has staked out a left-of-center viewpoint in recent years.
“So are you getting out of [cable news]?” asked David Rhodes, the president of CBS News, who was also on the panel with Ben Sherwood, president of ABC News.
“I don’t think the mandate of Brian Williams is the same as Rachel Maddow on MSNBC,” Capus responded. “Nor do I think what Fox News does tonight is what Chris Wallace does on Sundays. I think there’s a place for all three cable outlets.”
Inside Cable News 
October 5, 2011 at 5:37 pm
This isn’t new why is Capus making this statement now? Capus might as well have concluded, and water is wet.
October 5, 2011 at 6:26 pm
I have no idea what his point is? Cable news competition can increase national ranker, but there is room for all three? To do what? Increase the increase in ranker?
October 6, 2011 at 6:16 am
I don’t think the mandate of Brian Williams is the same as Rachel Maddow on MSNBC
Not according to Rachel Maddow. See, she does REAL news, unlike those pikers over at Fox. At least, that what she says…