Liberal Networks Spend Nearly Seven Hours Covering Reflecting Pool Algae

Clear Facts

• CNN and MSNBC dedicated nearly seven combined hours to covering algae at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool between June 14 and June 22
• CNN led with over 3.5 hours of coverage, while MSNBC followed with more than 2.5 hours
• The coverage comes after President Trump invested $15 million to renovate the landmark ahead of America’s 250th birthday celebration

Liberal media outlets have devoted extraordinary airtime to covering an algae outbreak at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to a new analysis from the Media Research Center. The five major networks combined for nearly seven hours of coverage over a nine-day period.

CNN dominated the coverage with 215 minutes and 37 seconds — more than three-and-a-half hours of programming dedicated to the story. MSNBC followed closely with 160 minutes and 51 seconds, equating to more than two-and-a-half hours.

Among the three broadcast networks, CBS News led with more than 15 minutes of coverage. ABC News came in second with more than 10.5 minutes, followed by NBC News with nearly 9.5 minutes.

NewsBusters’ Bill D’Agostino noted the broadcast numbers are more significant than they appear at first glance.

“While broadcast networks ran a combined 35 minutes and 10 seconds of coverage, that total looks smaller than it actually is,” D’Agostino wrote. “ABC, CBS, and NBC only air two and a half hours’ worth of straight news each day, as compared to the standard 19 hours on CNN and MSNBC.”

“In cable news hours, those 35 minutes are equivalent to 267 minutes and 16 seconds, which is even more coverage than CNN aired.”

The intensive coverage follows President Donald Trump’s $15 million renovation of the Reflecting Pool. The restoration effort was part of the President’s broader initiative to beautify Washington, D.C., ahead of America’s 250th birthday celebration next month.

An algae outbreak appeared in the landmark pool shortly after the renovation was completed. Media reporters have flooded the site to examine the murky water and document peeling of blue sealant that had recently been placed.

Several arrests have been made over alleged vandalism of the Reflecting Pool. Among those charged is 67-year-old David Hearn, a three-time Olympian, who faces a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property.

The President has been vocally passionate about beautifying the nation’s capital during his second term. The extensive media focus on the algae outbreak appears to delight some in the press corps who oppose Trump’s beautification efforts.

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