After being stuck inside for the past couple of months, I found myself constantly browsing through the channels looking for some entertainment. I will never forget volume level exploding against the walls in my kitchen as I passed the Cable News Network for the first time. While I was rushing to turn down the volume, anchor Wolf Blitzer became silent and looked straight at me. Although he was just staring into the camera (and not really at me), he took a deep breath and stated “Please stay safe and wear a mask, you can protect yourself and others just by wearing a mask ”. In the midst of all the chaos and confusion, the tone from his words was what I needed to hear: calm and direct. Soon after, I began to find myself grabbing the remote and jumping right to channel sixty-two. Although most young people in their 20s certainly do not yearn to hear “The Situation Room,” or “Cuomo Prime Time”, I will admit it has become the best part of my day.
So, you are probably wondering, why the heck would I choose CNN? Well for starters, I wanted to become more aware with what is going on in our country. The new rules, regulations and advice had become increasingly confusing. Most of the time, the information being relayed to viewers dealt with life or death scenarios, such as CDC guidelines or statistical data on the coronavirus. After initially watching Wolf Blitzer speak with genuine sincerity about precautions to protect ourselves, I knew CNN was the network for me. The way the anchors present themselves and the news is in the best way possible: direct and with emotion. I have come to appreciate the way Anderson Cooper pauses for a moment before giving a grim update on the coronavirus. Or the way Chris Cuomo invites his brother and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo onto his program to have deep conversations and connect to his viewers. Some viewers have gone as far to religiously follow the brothers and their stories, labeling themselves as followers of “Cuomology.” While I can certainly say I have not gone that far, it is refreshing to see how their bond can add some joy to otherwise negative news. The refreshing voices and faces I get to see each night create a personable connection that many of us need during this isolating time.
With the pandemic still looming and American politics heightening, it is safe to say that I know CNN will get me through these tough times in our history with the humanity we all need to be reminded of.
