Data visualizations for this project analyzed the contrasting messages CNN and FOX presented to their viewers during their daytime and primetime coverages in the hours preceding and following the Chauvin Verdict on April 20, 2021.
Check out some of the data visualizations below and hover over them for more information.
- DataWrapper
- Google Sheets
- Qualtrics Survey
- CNN and FOX news coverage through out the day
Out of the national channels available, CNN and FOX were they most complete and both had daytime and primetime news coverage by branded hosts at 10am and 7pm CDT
Interesting Facts on Viewership:
During the live coverage of the trial, over 4 million people tuned into CNN between 3:30pm CDT and 5:30pm CDT to see Chauvin convicted. ABC followed with over 4 million total viewers and Fox News came in third with with 3.44 million total viewers
However, in primetime, when viewers turned to the cable networks for opinions and reactions to the verdict, FOX News led in total viewership, with 2.68 million total average viewers from 7pm to 10pm CDT. CNN took third with 1.79 million average viewers and MSNBC took second place with 2.12 million total average viewers
Daytime coverage for both CNN and FOX were hosted by women and had the same amount of guests
Coverage by CNN seemed to play into the fears of speculating on worst-case reactions to not guilty verdicts and how the court procedure worked
Coverage by FOX was much more nationally focused and had a primarily negative when discussing the upcoming verdict
Primetime coverage for both CNN and FOX were hosted by men
Coverage by CNN after the verdict was more locally focused, positive, and reported accurately about present events and when discussing the future
“Can we trust the way this decision was made?” – Tucker Carlson –> Coverage by Fox after the verdict was more nationally focused and negative, and mostly discussed the future but in a misleading way, omitting the facts of the verdict, and it wasn’t just Carlson
