News channels that broadcast on the television have a range of advantages and disadvantages, which are discussed in detail below. Their main function is to collect news stories from around the world, or from particular regions, and broadcast them on the television so the public can learn more about them. News channels aim to connect the average viewer with the big stories of today, and they use a number of methods to do this, including showing live footage from various locations and interviews with notable figures. However, many do not believe they are always effective, and others think some news channels can display biased views.
- The advantages of News channels
As almost everyone in the developed world is in ownership of a television, and watches it regularly, News channels offer the ultimate in convenience. Viewers can easily flick over to a News channels and catch up with the latest happenings, which is very easy with the regular News summaries which are shown at least twice an hour. As News channels tend to broadcast 24 hours a day, they have the opportunity to look at various stories in the media in considerable depth. All in all, News channels illuminate viewers about what is going on in the world and raise awareness when it may be important to do so.
- The disadvantages of News channels
Some News channels may display a prominent bias, particularly if they are reporting on stories relating to their own organization. What's more, News channels are often accused on focusing on the wrong issues. For instance, in recent weeks there has been extensive coverage of the News of the World hacking scandal, but much less of the famine in Africa. News channels often send their reporters to dangerous locations and journalists have been injured, kidnapped and even killed whilst working in unstable locations such as Middle Eastern war zones.
