The Impact of 24-Hour News Networks on the Political Cycle

24-Hour news networks have had a positive impact on the Political Cycle. Networks such as CNN and Fox News have raised the level of political discourse in America, prevented politicians from defrauding the American people, and brought scandals to light. More Americans are discussing politics due to these networks, which raises the level of political discourse in America. These networks have caught criminals such as William Jefferson (D-LA), who had over 90,000$ of bribes in his freezer. The 24-hour news networks brought scandals to light, such as the Tom Delay scandal. By raising the level of political discourse, preventing politicians from defrauding the American public, and bringing scandals to light the news networks have had a positive impact on the political cycle.
24-Hour news networks have had a negative impact on the political cycle. They have increased polarization, merged opinion with facts, and have the power to destroy politicians. These networks have overseen a dramatic fall of non-partisan cooperation on Capitol Hill, which is then broadcast to the American public. Fox News, founded in 1996, has encouraged a extremely right-wing point of view, with hosts such as Bill O'Reilly who merge opinion with facts. In the 2008 Democratic presidential primary, John Edwards campaign was buried in the news, and was unable to get any media coverage which helped derail his campaign. Another example of this was Fox News banning Ron Paul from their New Hampshire debate, even though he polled above the margin needed for entry. Although this was unintentional, the power the news networks had in burying John Edwards and Ron Paul should not be trusted to any corporate entity. The 24-Hour News Networks have a negative impact on the political cycle by increasing polarization, merging opinion with facts, and destroying politicians.