News programs like the “Today” show and the “NBC Nightly News” are sources of mass communication for the American population. Mass communication does not allow for heterogeneous, isolated individuals. Through the media, people are united with general ideas and perceptions. Thousands of people turn on their televisions every morning and every evening to catch up on current issues and debates. However, how representative are these productions? Do they fully reflect the actual, historical time? The production of these television shows is an act in which the audience is not given unaltered information; rather, they are presented with a portrayal of American ideologies and assumptions.

Individuals do not gain pure information from the news. Instead, they gain an understanding for a particular view of worldly events. News is not complete; however, it is not artificial either. By representing the underlying order of things, media is a conglomeration of the drama of this social world. This sacred act that is commonly associated with news media is a ritual view of communication. Carey compares the ritual view of communication to words like “sharing,” “participation,

and “association” (Carey, 1992). In contrast to the transmission view of communication, which emphasizes the movement of messages through space, the ritual view of communication emphasizes the maintenance of an ordered, meaningful cultural world based in time. The separation between these two views is more easily understood when concentrating on a specific comparison, such as “Today” and the “NBC Nightly News.”

The September 26th episode of “Today” was completely based on the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11th. The program included segments such as current updates on the events occurring in Afghanistan, relief efforts thus far, toys for kids in trying times, the impact of still photos, and the effects of the act on prime time television. “Today” gives the American public an idea of what is new in the world today. Brightly colored backgrounds and a laid back atmosphere set the foundation for its wholesome, yet bubbly anchors, Katie Couric and Matt Lauer. They personally communicate with guests creating a feeling that you could be their friend, and by being their friend you should be interested in what they have to say. This assumption is a great example of the ritual view of communication because Couric and Lauer never specifically asked you to be their friend, however, you assumed that by associating with them, they will report on issues that are important to you.

The September 26th episode of the “NBC Nightly News” was also primarily concerned with the effects of the recent tragedy. This program also began with an update about the Afghani crisis, which was followed by segments concerning the effect of the act on the CIA, the economy, and especially travel. The show closed with a segment about the hero dogs of the tragedy and emphasized the notion that “we are all in this together.” Unlike “Today,” the “NBC Nightly News” employs a no-nonsense approach to the transmission of the day’s news. The sole anchor, Tom Brokaw, has little communication with the audience; rather, he casts out stories to other news journalists. This type of report is an example of the transmission view of communication. Little is done to involve the audience; nonetheless, the information is transferred from person to person with minimal interruption.

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