Television News Magazines and Reference Librarians

The following are answers to the question: do you watch TV news shows? Reference librarians at North American public and academic libraries were asked to answer this question as part of a study of librarian reading habits.


I occasionally watch the evening network news when I get a chance. I do not get home from work till after all of the evening news is over.

My television watching is restricted almost exclusively to news shows. The only fiction show I watch weekly is West Wing. The news shows I watch are: CNN, MSNBC, Crossfire, The Capitol Gang, The McGlaughlin Gang, Washington Week in Review, Frontline, and Nova. I watch these types of shows daily.

I try to watch Washington Week in Review regularly. I would watch the Jim Lehrer Hour more often if I did not work full-time and have kids to get dinner ready for and help with homework. I like 60 Minutes, but do not often see it anymore.

I try to watch bedtime news but my shifts vary and as a result, I don't catch anything regularly. I am a poor excuse for an enlightened individual.

I watch 60 Minutes, Nightline, CNN Weekends, 20/20, Good Morning America, and daily news casts.

Yes, NBC on a daily basis. Dateline once or twice a week. 20/20 once every couple of weeks.

I watch MSNBC news nearly every day and CNN occasionally.

Yes, I watch several shows on the Fox News Channel.

NBC nightly news, most week nights.

I watch CBS in the US nightly and 60 Minutes as often as possible. Also, Good Morning America.

I generally watch the CBS evening news at least three days a week. I sometimes watch Dateline on NBC. I try to watch Meet the Press every week.

ABC News a couple of times a week, and some of the news talk shows on Fox Network such as O'Reilly.

Normally we watch NBC national news. We watch Sunday Morning and 60 Minutes on CBS. Sam Donaldson on ABC.

Usually nightly for CBC News and sometimes CNN. Often Dateline, 20/20, Fifth Estate, and the Nature of Things.

Sometimes CNN and CBC.

Yes, CBS, CNN, CBC, and 60 Minutes, minimum of weekly.

I watch most of the news programs on a regular basis. CBC every day, CNN two or three times a week. BBC news almost every day. Current affair shows every week.

No, not on a regular basis, other than special events like a major election. I don't watch the news. I prefer to listen to the radio.

The Today Show daily.

CNN, the news on Good Morning America and the eleven o'clock news on the local station.

I usually watch ABC for the evening news, E! and ET for entertainment news, our local NBC affiliate for local news and CBC's The National on occasion to get another perspective on the news. Dateline and 20/20 are watched on occasion, but not as regularly as I used to watch them.

We normally watch CBS each evening. We have also watched 60 Minutes and Prime Time, probably about two or three times a month.

I watch our local NBC affiliate for local news and on occasion watch 20/20, Dateline, and NBC for other information.

Yes, CNN on Saturdays for one hour.

I watch the NBC news broadcast two or three times a week, if I am home, and a few other news type shows in the evening whenever I can, which is less and less often as I work a lot at night.

Occasionally Dateline, evening news, etc.

Yes, I watch ABC news nearly every evening.

NBC News, CNN, CSPAN, 60 Minutes, Dateline, 48 Hours, News 12 NJ on cable.

I try to catch my local news after work and sometime the national news. I try to watch Dateline or 48 Hours as frequently as possible.

Yes, the Today Show.

60 Minutes, Dateline, 20/20, Primetime, and Good Morning America.

NBC's Today Show.

Not on any regular basis.

CNN mornings and evenings.

CNN Nightly News.

Dateline and 60 Minutes.

NBC, 60 Minutes, Dateline and morning news.

I watch Good Morning America.

I watch CNN each evening and the local news for about an hour. I do watch 60 Minutes when I have the time.

I just watch the evening news.

I watch ABC evening news.

NBC Nightly News.

I watch CNN for one to two hours daily (or at least if it's on in the staff room). Since I work evenings I don't see any of the prime time network news broadcasts regularly. I also watch PBS's Firing Line whenever I can, usually once a month. I regularly tune in to the Sunday morning chatterboxes: Meet the Press, Fox News Sunday, Bob Schieffer, This Week with Cokie Roberts and Sam Donaldson, Wolf Blitzer. I watch C-Span three to four hours a month.

I watch CNN Headlines News daily. The national news programs are over before I get to work. If an ad catches my eye I might watch one of the current affairs programs, but for the most part I don't watch them. All too often I've found them to be more sensational than newsworthy.

Yes, I watch the national news on the rare evenings I get home before they are over -- usually NBC, but sometimes I browse CBS and ABC to compare coverage. Usually I try to catch the local news broadcasts later in the evening if I can stay awake. I consider the television newsmagazines to be too fluffy and sensationalized to be considered anything but entertainment.

The only news show I watch with any regularity is ITN World News. I watch about 5-6 times a week.

Yes, CBS national news, 60 Minutes, Primetime, 20/20, and Dateline.

Yes! I am a media freak. I watch the local evening news, the news with Peter Jennings, MSNBC, and McNeil Lehrer in some combination every night for at least two hours.

Dateline, 20/20, The Today Show, 48 Hours, Good Morning America, CNN news, Book Talk, Larry King Live, and Nightline.

CBC and CTV News every day, as well as Canada AM. This Hour Has 22 Minutes weekly and American commentary shows twice a month.

CBC, CNN, 60 Minutes, Fifth Estate, and W5.

The six o'clock news.

Not on a regular basis. I don't watch as much television as many. When I do, I'll watch 60 Minutes or catch the CBC or CTV newscast.

ABC news three or four nights a week. Nightline three or four nights a week. Sports news five mornings a week.

Good Morning America and ABC news briefs in the morning.

Yes, I watch the Today Show, CNBC, 60 Minutes, 20/20, and Dateline.

I watch Good Morning America at the YMCA in the mornings.

CNN in the morning and in the evening.

I watch the local news every night. I watch Larry King with my wife because she likes it, as well as bits and pieces of the CNN news programs. I like PBS's Frontline and other shows. These aren't particularly helpful in answering reference questions, but do help with chit chat to break the ice with patrons. In this regard, Jay Leno and other late night programs have their place.

I generally watch CNN, CNN International, BBC World News, CNBC and Fox News on a daily basis. Do not tend to watch news magazine shows.

No, but I do occasionally watch 60 Minutes or 48 Hours.

I do not watch it on a regular basis.

As Director, I do watch CNN, CNN Headline News and national news daily. I also try to watch 60 Minutes and news special as much as possible.

I do not regularly watch a national television newscast. When I want national coverage of the news on television, I usually watch CNN Headline News.

I usually watch NBC evening news most evenings. I also watch Dateline, 60 Minutes and 20/20 every week.

NBC news in the morning and evening. 60 Minutes and Oprah occasionally (authors or issues that are discussed become patron requests).

Yes, I daily watch news programs and like to watch various stations, including CNN, ABC, NBC, and CBS. I occasionally watch 60 Minutes or 20/20.

I watch 60 Minutes on a regular basis as well as Dateline and This Week. Though the latter two are a bit more irregularly. I also try to catch as many of Ted Koppel's Town Meetings as often as I possibly can.

I watch our local news shows every evening, as well as CNN at least once or twice a day. I watch as many of the current affairs programs as possible. 60 Minutes, Dateline, 48 Hours, and 20/20. I love them!

I watch CNN's Headline New daily.

I regularly watch the CBS evening national news during the week.

No, I do not. I would rather read the newspaper.

I watch 60 Minutes weekly.

I usually watch the local NBC news from 6:30-7 a.m., and I then watch the Today Show from 7-8 a.m.

With a young child and no cable at home, I generally don't watch much television.

I watch television at a minimum. A national news broadcast 4-6 hours a week.

I watch 60 Minutes and daily national news.

60 Minutes and Dateline, weekly.

Good Morning America.

I watch one of the national news shows nightly.

Nightly news on ABC or CNN or NBS.

If I have time I will try and watch a national nightly news like CBS, NBC, or ABC. I do not watch enough TV to subscribe to cable.

CNN nightly, 60 Minutes weekly, and Dateline weekly.

I generally watch the CBC 10 PM news and sometimes a current affairs program but not often.

I watch CBC News and the Magazine every evening. I also watch BBC World News about twice a week. Current affairs programs would include 60 Minutes, W5, and Frontline.

CBC late night news almost nightly.

I love the news with Peter Mansbridge. I also watch the local news and then the late news with Lloyd Robertson. I guess I am a news junky. I watch the news every day at least three times a day.

PBS news hour daily, Wall Street Week, McLaughlin Report, 60 Minutes, Frontline and other PBS productions weekly.

I watch the local news every day and occasionally CBC news. I will watch 60 Minutes or marketplace if the show looks like it has something to interest me that week.

I watch 60 Minutes almost every week. Dateline, too, is a weekly watch for me.

I watch lots of local news and channel surf others.

I watch the local news and I watch CBS or NBC for national news. I watch the local news every night. I watch CBS or NBC five of the seven days. I also watch a local program on channels 45/49. This is on Friday nights and it is called Newsnight Akron. Local radio and newspaper writers discuss current events in the area.

I watch CNN's Headline News about ten minutes per week.

I watch the national news every night. In the morning I bounce between Good Morning America and the Today Show. I like current affairs programs and watch those the most of anything on TV. This includes Prime Time, Dateline, 20/20, and Larry King Live. I watch a morning show and the evening news including local news every day.

I watch the evening national news, usually NBC and often watch Dateline. Every now and then I'll watch 20/20.

I try to catch the late news nightly on ABC or NBC. I try to watch 20/20 on Fridays, Dateline occasionally, CNN Headline News for breaking news.

Normally watch the NBC nightly news and 60 Minutes. I don't like either one very much. I think I watch out of habit more than of any intellectual curiosity.

I watch and listen to NBC intermittently as I am getting ready for work. I also watch CBS evening news, Dateline, 60 Minutes and 20/20 regularly. On occasions, where there is something of particular interest developing in the world, I watch MSNBC after the network news.

I do not watch television news except when major stories break and then I usually watch CNN Headline News. I only watch local news when we are expecting a hurricane.

Yes, I do watch the late night and morning news on television. I also watch 60 Minutes and Dateline. This keeps me aware of current trends and issues.

Almost every morning I flip on CNN Headline News as I get ready for work. I used to watch other news shows but they have turned to more sensational trash than true news reporting.

CNN for an hour or so.

I do watch CNN daily for about 30 minutes a day. I also watch This Week every Sunday for one and a half hours.

Main media does not interest me.

I watch NBC news every morning. CNN sometimes, 60 Minutes, Dateline sometimes, and A&E Investigative Reports frequently.

No, unfortunately. Once in a while I watch 60 Minutes.

No, irregularly. CBS Evening News. Occasionally 60 Minutes.

I watch the evening news as often as possible, both local and national, and I often have news documentaries, 60 Minutes, or Dateline on in the background when I am baking, knitting, or otherwise involved with my hands but not my mind.

I don't sit down to watch the news at a certain time each day, but I'd say I watch 15 minutes of CNN Headlines News 3 to 5 times a week.

We watch local news (WPTZ Plattsburgh NY) and for national we watch CBS. Not daily, at least twice weekly.

Yes, National CBC news regularly, CNN, CBS NBC and ABC occasionally.

I watch The National, The Fifth Estate, W5, and 60 minutes.

I generally watch one of the CBC new shows in the evening. I particularly like the Newfoundland and Alberta CBC broadcasts.

Yes. CBC National News and Magazine, 10-11 p.m., usually five nights per week.

I watch the CBC national news, Newsworld, various CBC news specials. I occasionally watch local news. Almost daily.

This is where the truth will surface. I watch quite a bit of current event type of television programming. On the week nights I watch, CNN hourly news and Cross Fire, CBC with Peter Mansbridge 10pm, TVO imprint, CBC with Avi Lewis, Michael Corin's on CTS (he's also a radio broadcaster on CFRB). CNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthew's. On Sunday mornings I watch the US news shows. NBC's Meet the Press, ABC's Newsweek with Cokie Roberts, Sam Donaldson, et al, PBS's This Week in Washington with Nina Totenberg (NPR), Charles Krauthhammer, Evan Thomas, et al.

Most nights I watch the CBC National news, and often the newsmagazine that follows. Occasionally I watch TVO's Studio 2, and sometimes 60 Minutes. I live in the country and don't have a satellite dish or access to cable for U.S. channels.

No, not too often.

Yes, 60 Minutes, CNN and CBS.

CNN Headline News once a day for 20-30 minutes.

Yes. CBS, Dan Rather, Today Show, daily.

CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, Capital Gang (CNN), CNN Headline News, daily.

Yes. Weekly - Dateline, Meet the Press, 60 Minutes, 20/20. Nightly - ABC News.

Yes, I watch CSPAN, CNN Headline News, and 60 Minutes. I watch all these programs daily, except 60 Minutes, which I only watch on Sundays.

I do not watch television on a regular basis. I do watch 60 Minutes occasionally.

CNN, MSNBC, PBS and network stations. I am not loyal to any. I like to try to get a rounded view by watching a variety. I do enjoy watching C-span.

Yes, 6 o'clock or 10 or 11 o'clock news nearly every day.

I generally do not watch national news, but occasionally (twice a month) watch NBC national show on Saturday AM, Sunday morning political shows and 60 minutes.

Foxnews O'Reilly, Hannity and Colmes, Foxnews Sunday Report, Meet the Press, and McLaughlin Report.

I usually watch CNN, PBS, and sometimes CBS, NBC, or ABC or their local affiliates daily (a total of perhaps 2 or 3 hours per day) and I watch 60 Minutes or something similar a couple of times a month.

I watch CNN each morning and evening for probably 1/2 each time (hour total each day).

Nightly news. CBS just about every night.

No, I don't watch any show regularly. My husband may check into CNN for headlines, but we generally don't watch particular shows.

I watch Chicago news on WGN, nightly.

I watch CNN at least once a day and one of the other network news shows (usually CBS) once to twice daily.

Yes, NBC or ABC nightly news, every week night that I am not working.

I like to watch Dateline and 20/20 semi-regularly. I miss it when I'm working nights or have something important to do, like laundry. I always watch the Today Show and the local news that is on before it.

We watch local and national news almost daily, 60 Minutes usually each Sunday, and during the week one or two other news magazine programs but not any certain one regularly. Most of our current events information comes from television.

I watch CNN and Fox News Network. I also watch the McGlaughlin Group.

CBS news in the morning and once in awhile in the evening. Dateline once in awhile.

60 Minutes a couple times a month. Most national broadcasts are over by the time I get home.

I usually watch 60 Minutes.

I do watch CNN and CSPAN for the news and also book reviews. I don't have a set time or length of time devoted strictly to news or current affairs. The book reviews and interviews with current authors are on weekends and run most of the day. I believe that is on CSPAN. I have a satellite dish and don't pay much attention to the exact channel. On Sunday evening I watch 60 Minutes. Occasionally I will watch some of the 20/20 shows and other current news shows, but not on a regular basis.

Yes. I watch national news each evening and 60 Minutes and Larry King Live weekly.

Yes, daily. National news (ABC, NBC, CBS), 60 Minutes, Today, Good Morning America.

Generally, I do not watch any TV newscast as you get little information, but I confess to watching 60 Minutes and the Today Show (daily).

Yes, I watch evening news at 6:30pm and CNN in the mornings. Often watch PBS news at 7:00pm if not going out for a meeting.

Yes, I like to watch CNN headline news, 60 Minutes. Actually, I do a lot of channel surfing on all of the night time news programs and end up watching a little of all of them.

Yes. CNN, 60 Minutes, Dateline. A few hours a week.

I usually see at least one CNN newscast per day: I see the News Hour (on PBS) two or three times a week.

CBS news daily. 60 Minutes, when possible.

Yes, 60 Minutes, 20/20, and Dateline.

Yes, I watch the national news every evening, usually ABC, but on occasion other networks. I also watch 60 Minutes, Dateline in one or more of its weekly appearances, 20/20 and 48 Hours. I don't watch the "news magazine" format programs every week, but watch the ones whose subjects interest me. I probably watch three to five per week.

Not usually. I am not a television watcher, period. However, when I am at the YMCA Fitness Center in the mornings, Good Morning America on ABC.

Yes. ABC or NBC each night. CNN several times through day. Fox News sometimes. Hardball on CNBC. CNN. Crossfire.

I watch CNN and CBS or ABC daily. I also try to catch Jim Lehrer whenever possible but not on a regular basis. About 90 minutes of news programs daily is my quota.

I watch all the national newscasts. ABC for overall coverage and foreign news, CBS for science news, NBC political news I also watch 60 Minutes, Dateline, 20/20, Meet the Press. I've worn out two remotes clicking back and forth. I'm just a news hound.

I watch the local news every day (at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. always). I watch the Today Show on NBC every morning before work. And oftentimes I will find myself watching CNN or MSNBC in the evening between other shows like Will & Grace or Frasier. I always watch the national Sunday talking heads type shows (Face the Nation, the Tim Russert program on NBC, and Sam & Cokie on ABC), I also find myself sometimes even watching the dreadfully produced local affairs programs. I miss watching the CBC as I used to live in Burlington, VT and watched Montreal TV all the time.

I do not watch any of them on a regular basis. I occasionally watch current affairs programs such as 60 Minutes, 20/20, and Oprah.

I watch NBC news each evening and a local newscast each morning. I also watch 60 Minutes at least twice a month and Dateline NBC about the same.

I watch C-Span almost every day. I especially enjoy the segment with the headlines as people call in from around the U.S. and talk about the news of the day. If I watch a national news show, I prefer NBC news. But if all the networks cover a political issue such as the presidential debates, I choose C-Span because the commentary is minimal and tends to be less biased.

Yes, I watch the NBC evening news, broadcasts, daily, as well as 48 Hours and 60 Minutes nearly every week.

NBC Nightly News, 60 Minutes, and 20/20 every week.

I tend to watch the morning news shows, specifically Today on a daily basis. I used to watch 60 Minutes on Sunday (the only current affairs show I feel is not overly sensationalized). I am usually busy when the national news is on in the evening.

Yes, the evening news, Lehrer Report, and 60 Minutes.

I watch some of 60 Minutes very irregularly.

I do watch news programs several times a week, usually the morning shows like Good Morning, America and the Today Show. Occasionally watch something like Dateline, 20/20 or an evening news program.

Watch ABC's Good Morning America every day. I watch ABC evening local, state and national news in the evening. I also tune into ESPN and CNN. I occasionally watch 60 Minutes. I watch the Iowa network station which is an educational channel as frequently as possible, especially when there is something that I know will be of value to my library work, especially related to Iowa history.

CBS News nightly. Nightline, Washington Week in Review weekly. 60 Minutes weekly.

The only regular show I watch is Masterpiece Theatre. Many of the news shows have become quite depressing. They seem to revolve around people having been thrown in jail for some crime or other that they did or didn't do. Or, how the government is cheating us in some way or other. Perhaps I fall into the "news sabbatical", "ignorance is bliss" category. Plus my husband and I have a dairy farm so I do not have idle evenings. We go from barn to supper to bed and try to stay awake for the 10 p.m. news.

CBS evening news several times a week and some of the others such as CBS Sunday Morning. They help to make me aware.

I rely on NBC for televised news. The Today Show in the morning, NBC Nightly News, and Meet the Press.

I watch 60 Minutes fairly often. It depends on whether or not the stories are interesting.

I do not have television in my home. I have watched PBS at times in other homes and events on CBS when visiting. I keep up on television through People Weekly, and weekly news magazine skimming.

Aside from CNN Headline News, to which I am addicted, I do not watch any television news program with regularity. I probably watch an hour or more of CNN Headline News each evening.

Always watch the nightly news with Peter Jennings on ABC. Sometimes watch 60 Minutes.

Yes, I watch a newscast 3-4 hours per week. Usually I am working when the news is started so I often get see the end I but rarely the beginning. I rarely watch television current affairs programming because I find it more alarmist than informative.

CNN Headline News a couple times a week, but not necessarily as part of a daily routine.

Sometimes I watch CNN. I don't like network news so much. I watch World News and BBC news.

I watch CNN for roughly one hour a day and national news for 30 minutes a day. I also watch a comedy show (The Daily Show) which truly alerts me to events.

I watch CNN, NBC, MSNBC, Fox News, CBS, ABC, Dateline, 20/20, 60 Minutes, PBS (Frontline) and CNN Headline News. I average about 5-10 hours a week.

Yes. I watch CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, and fox news programs as well as 60 Minutes, 20/20, Dateline, Crossfire, CBS Sunday Morning, ESPN and FOX sports news, etc. I watch approximately nine hours of news shows per week.

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