Jeff Glor: Breaking News

Breaking News

Today’s world relies on, and thrives because of, information. Information is highly valued, and most people want more of it. One of the fastest and most effective ways to spread and obtain information is through news programming. News programming distributes messages to vast portions of society, allowing information to be delivered across the nation. One significant example of news programs is CBS Evening News with Jeff Glor. The news program runs for half an hour starting at 5:30 p.m. every evening on CBS network. It is a news show devoted to relaying current events to its viewers regarding aspects of society such as politics, international affairs, and homeland concerns. The main anchor of the show is Jeff Glor, who is supported

Throughout the news broadcast, there was a total of three commercial breaks within the thirty-minute period. The first break occurred after thirteen minutes on air and lasted two minutes. This was made up of commercials about toothpaste, medications, and retirement planning programs. The second commercial break occurred only three minutes after the first one ended, beginning at the eighteen-minute mark and lasting three minutes. This one depicted more medications, vacation planning, and phone services for businesses. The third and final commercial break began less than one minute after the second one ended, starting after twenty-two minutes of the broadcast and lasting three minutes. This break once again featured primarily medications, as well as the only verified sponsor of the show: Ford. In total, commercials accounted for eight minutes of the thirty-minute program. When examining these commercials, it becomes clear that the station is primarily targeting an older adult audience. This is supported by the prevalence of medication commercials, especially those claiming to soothe aching joints and muscles, the commercials stressing the importance of retirement security, and those that advertised aspects of life that are typically enjoyed by more financially secure individuals, primarily adults with established careers. The network most likely targeted this audience because the station executives believe that the members of that age group would be the people most likely to watch the news. As David T.Z. Mindich one wrote, many news executives believe, as people grow older and obtain the typical aspects of maturity, they will also become more interested in the news (395). News stations espouse this theory, aiming their programming at the older generation that they believe is more likely to watch the news. It is the reason the commercials feature products and