CNN
On June 1, 1980, The Cable News Network, known as CNN, made history as becoming the first 24-hour news service on Television. CNN was not always the affluent corporation it is today. After being told by his superiors in the broadcasting field that a 24-hour news service was not feasible, Ted Turner took four years developing what would soon be a powerhouse in American media. Turner was then up against the 3 networks that practically controlled all of America’s TV news, ABC, CBS, and NBC. During it’s first years of production, CNN was widely criticized for its poor funding and minimal networking resources. However, Turner was not going to give up on the potential he saw in the network. It was Turner’s main goal to steadily expand CNN’s connections and media resources. As a result, CNN was often first to the scene on all matters, domestic or international. They became known for their live coverage of current events and ability to get the story out before other networks. Gaining more momentum, CNN bought out the Satellite News Channel in 1983. This only strengthened their ability to report first on any and all issues around the world. Within less than 10 years of being on air, CNN was surpassing other news networks with its on-site, non-stop, full coverage reporting.
What is often seen as the most pivotal aspect of CNN’s climb to fame is its coverage on the Persian Gulf War in 1990. It was the broadcast that truly introduced America to both CNN and reporter Wolf Blitzer. CNN was the only network providing 24/7 live coverage of The Gulf War. During a time of stress, intrigue, and fear, the urgency of CNN’s coverage was needed by the people of America. It was the first time that a real war was being covered in actual time, viewers were watching the war progress in a clear way. Many networks covering the War refrained from putting reporters in the middle of the live action, but CNN refused to leave. CNN, faced by Wolf Blitzer, covered the entirety of The Gulf War in excruciating detail.
Now, thanks to Ted Turner, 24/7 news coverage is widespread, and CNN is a thriving network that many households depend on.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/cnn-launches
http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/01/politics/wolf-blitzer-gulf-war-iraq-kuwait-cnn/