AICE Media Studies Practice Exam 2025 - Free Media Studies Practice Questions and Study Guide

The choice that identifies FOX News Channel and MSNBC as the two networks that launched in 1996 to expand televised news is correct due to the significant impact these networks had on the landscape of news broadcasting.

FOX News Channel debuted in October 1996, presenting a platform that offered a distinct perspective on news coverage, often appealing more to conservative audiences. Its approach and programming reshaped how news was presented on television, emphasizing opinion-based content and commentary alongside traditional reporting.

MSNBC, also launched in 1996, aimed to provide a different angle by blending news reporting with political commentary, primarily catering to a more liberal audience. The combination of these two networks introduced a new era in television news, characterized by 24-hour news cycles and a focus on specific ideological narratives. This expansion of options allowed viewers to engage with news from varied perspectives, ultimately transforming news consumption habits in the U.S.

The other networks mentioned in the choices did not launch in 1996; rather, they were established before this date and did not contribute to the same level of change in televised news as the two chosen networks.