In continuation of reviewing how news apps have a specific and unique way of communicating information through the rhetorical choices in design and layout, this post will next go over CNN’s news app. Even though there are many similarities between CNN and FOX’s designs, there are a few notable differences. The first being customization.
When the user opens the app, they get a choice of what they consider a priority: U.S. coverage or worldwide coverage. They also get options to receive notifications ranging from breaking news, the latest headlines, updates on the virus, elections, and so forth. The app also provides settings so the user can change the filters and alerts at any time if they wish to do so. This was something the FOX News app did not include. Nowhere in the previous app did it allow the user to change the settings. Another feature the CNN app includes is the ability to search. Once the user types in what they want to find, the app will provide everything involving the desired source. When the desired subject is typed in, it will give the option to choose to search through articles, videos, galleries, or all. This feature is useful when wanting to do research or more investigating. However, there is no date filter. If there is an article that someone read yesterday and would like to read again, they have to scroll through every headline, article, and alert between now and then to find that particular article. Though the app may provide the ability to search, it still runs into the same problem FOX News had: the news the app only informs the user of what it deems relevant at that time. In addition, the app does not seem to give much variety.
When the user opens the app they will see a page titled “Top News.” Here they will be able to see all the headlines CNN claims to be of importance to the reader. However, when I first opened the page nearly all the headlines had a picture of Biden. Only four stories can fit on the screen at once, and three out of four read: “See Biden speak out on allegation,” “Biden denies any assault allegation,” “Biden releases statement denying former aid’s claims.” Though this may seem lazy at first, this is actually a tactic CNN uses to pull in their liberal audience. The majority of those on CNN generally are left leaning when it comes to politics, so coverage on Biden and other Democratic politicians is a method to keep their audience coming back to their app. In this way, they are using pathos to gain the attention of their audience by making them feel first and think second. Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio said, “We’re not thinking machines that feel; we’re feeling machines that think.” Clearly, emotions work to grab people’s attention.
The CNN app does a good job of reaching those in their line of thinking. As FOX appeals to those more on the right, CNN appeals to those more on the left. Both apps primarily use the form of pathos to act on the views and emotions of their users. This is a good tactic to generate an audience. However, it may also work to discourage some in using the app who view the bias as a turn-off or flaw.
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