Cable Channels Set to Begin Election Year Coverage

America’s trifecta of cable news channels, Fox News, MSNBC and CNN, are just about ready to show off their election year staffs. Each channel plans to cover the one-night Iowa caucus for a stretch of several days, maximizing both their investments in the state and the ratings potential of a Republican presidential campaign. On caucus night, Jan. 3, each channel will replace its usual prime time schedule with special reports. The extensive coverage plans highlight the importance of politics to the bottom lines of the cable news channels. Past ratings indicate that the more seriously the channels treat events like the Iowa caucus, the more viewers tune in. So the networks are starting early. (Dec 28)