The article is based on the first systematic analysis of the output of 24-hour news channels in the UK. From a viewer's point of view, we argue, a 24-hour news channel can fulfil three main purposes: allowing someone to watch an up-to-date news bulletin whenever they wish; enabling a viewer to watch major live news events as they happen; or providing more in-depth information, background, context or analysis of news and current affairs. Our data suggest that while the news channels succeed in providing rolling news bulletins “on tap”, they spend little time on “breaking news” (rightly, in our view, since live news is generally neither interesting nor informative) and conspicuously fail to use their time to provide more context or analysis. Indeed, our data suggest that a viewer is much better off, in this and other respects, watching a conventional bulletin like the Ten O'Clock News. We conclude by suggesting that the form of analysis favoured by broadcast news—of all kinds—tends to be aimed at those who already take a keen interest in news, rather than providing the kind of background or context that might make it easier for viewers to appreciate the meaning or significance of a story.
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