Cable news executives confirmed Thursday that a flashing banner reading "Here's The Latest" was broadcast to millions despite a complete lack of new information. The graphic remained on screen for four hours while anchors simply rephrased facts established earlier in the week.
The decision to utilize the network's most urgent visual assets came after producers realized no significant global or domestic events had occurred since Tuesday morning. To prevent viewers from changing the channel, CNN anchors were instructed to stare directly into the camera and confidently state "Here is the latest" before summarizing a press release that had already been heavily covered by every major outlet.
We find that reminding audiences about the concept of chronological recency keeps them in a state of profitable anxiety.
Following the broadcast, Fox News reportedly adopted a similar strategy, issuing a blaring "Fox News Alert" to inform its audience that time was continuing to pass at a standard rate. MSNBC responded by launching an interactive "Developing Now" segment, which consisted entirely of a reporter reading Wednesday's Associated Press wire out loud while pointing at a touchscreen.