Cable News Network (CNN), launched by Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld, changed the landscape of news broadcasting forever by being the first to offer a 24-hour news service. This innovative concept aimed to deliver continuous coverage of breaking news stories and ensure that viewers had access to timely updates at any hour. Prior to the establishment of CNN, news was primarily delivered through scheduled broadcasts, leaving gaps in information dissemination. CNN sought to fill this void, giving audiences around-the-clock news access, which was a novel approach in the media industry at that time.

The inaugural broadcast of CNN featured a mix of news reports, weather updates, and sports coverage. Notably, a report about the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan marked a critical moment in CNN's early programming, showcasing its commitment to providing immediate and comprehensive news stories. The channel quickly gained traction and became a key player in providing the public with real-time updates from around the globe. As CNN expanded its network, it employed correspondents stationed in different parts of the world, further enhancing its coverage and establishing a new standard for journalism.

As the years progressed, CNN grew in prominence and influence, particularly during major global events, such as the Gulf War in the early 1990s, where its live reports were broadcast in homes around the world, effectively bringing war coverage into living rooms. CNN's pioneering format set the groundwork for future news channels and transformed how information is reported, paving the way for a new era of media that includes the internet and commercial news outlets across various platforms.