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| The Evening News Is Back | The Evening News Is Back |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Ten million people watched “The Voice” last week, the biggest audience for the NBC reality show in a year. | Ten million people watched “The Voice” last week, the biggest audience for the NBC reality show in a year. |
| It was no match for another nonfiction program: the nightly newscast. | It was no match for another nonfiction program: the nightly newscast. |
| As Americans, housebound because of the coronavirus crisis, watch more TV than usual, they have returned to the network news programs that have not been at the center of the national conversation for years. | As Americans, housebound because of the coronavirus crisis, watch more TV than usual, they have returned to the network news programs that have not been at the center of the national conversation for years. |
| ABC’s “World News Tonight” and the “NBC Nightly News” had an average of about 12 million viewers for their newscasts last week, among the biggest totals for all network shows, according to Nielsen. That’s roughly the same as the average for “Monday Night Football.” | ABC’s “World News Tonight” and the “NBC Nightly News” had an average of about 12 million viewers for their newscasts last week, among the biggest totals for all network shows, according to Nielsen. That’s roughly the same as the average for “Monday Night Football.” |
| The audience for “World News Tonight” was its largest since 2000, and the number of viewers watching “NBC Nightly News” was the most the show had drawn since 2005. | The audience for “World News Tonight” was its largest since 2000, and the number of viewers watching “NBC Nightly News” was the most the show had drawn since 2005. |
| “Nothing else matters right now,” Lester Holt, the anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” said in an interview. “This is the story of our lifetimes.” | “Nothing else matters right now,” Lester Holt, the anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” said in an interview. “This is the story of our lifetimes.” |
| Sober and straightforward, evening news programs were a chief information delivery system for decades, led by stolid anchors who guided viewers through triumphs and tragedies alike. | Sober and straightforward, evening news programs were a chief information delivery system for decades, led by stolid anchors who guided viewers through triumphs and tragedies alike. |
| But they long ago lost their agenda-setting influence, supplanted by cable news networks that performed roughly the same function 24 hours a day. And they have been pushed further into the background in recent years by digital media, with its minute-by-minute chronicling of events. | But they long ago lost their agenda-setting influence, supplanted by cable news networks that performed roughly the same function 24 hours a day. And they have been pushed further into the background in recent years by digital media, with its minute-by-minute chronicling of events. |
| The pandemic has brought back millions of viewers. For now, at least, a concise, crisply produced news program, devoid of the punditry and histrionics typical of many cable broadcasts, seems to match the national moment. | The pandemic has brought back millions of viewers. For now, at least, a concise, crisply produced news program, devoid of the punditry and histrionics typical of many cable broadcasts, seems to match the national moment. |
| “I think the evening news plays a public service role, and now we’re playing a public health role,” said Norah O’Donnell, the anchor of “CBS Evening News.” | “I think the evening news plays a public service role, and now we’re playing a public health role,” said Norah O’Donnell, the anchor of “CBS Evening News.” |
| In all, an average of 32.2 million people watched the evening newscasts last week, a 42 percent increase from a year earlier. Younger people have tuned in, too: There was a 67 percent rise among adults between the ages of 25 and 54, according to Nielsen. | In all, an average of 32.2 million people watched the evening newscasts last week, a 42 percent increase from a year earlier. Younger people have tuned in, too: There was a 67 percent rise among adults between the ages of 25 and 54, according to Nielsen. |
| The network newscasts have not attracted that kind of audience in years. While the Trump presidency has been a boon for the cable news networks — which have consistently set ratings records since 2017 — it has given no such lift to the evening shows. | The network newscasts have not attracted that kind of audience in years. While the Trump presidency has been a boon for the cable news networks — which have consistently set ratings records since 2017 — it has given no such lift to the evening shows. |
| For the 2018-19 television season, viewership dropped 3 percent. Among the young adult viewers prized by advertisers, there was a 6 percent decline. That trend has been apparent for a while, a steady fall from the days of Tom Brokaw, Dan Rather and Peter Jennings, when evening newscasts were a must-watch for roughly 40 million American households. | For the 2018-19 television season, viewership dropped 3 percent. Among the young adult viewers prized by advertisers, there was a 6 percent decline. That trend has been apparent for a while, a steady fall from the days of Tom Brokaw, Dan Rather and Peter Jennings, when evening newscasts were a must-watch for roughly 40 million American households. |
| “It’s been a very steep drop-off, and a generational drop-off, too,” said Mark Lukasiewicz, a former NBC News executive and the dean of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University. “The evening newscasts aren’t part of the daily diet of working-age people anymore. They’re just not part of it.” | “It’s been a very steep drop-off, and a generational drop-off, too,” said Mark Lukasiewicz, a former NBC News executive and the dean of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University. “The evening newscasts aren’t part of the daily diet of working-age people anymore. They’re just not part of it.” |
| As the programs have lost their top-of-the-media-heap status, television executives have devoted more resources to the main profit centers of the network news divisions, the morning shows. Whether the 6:30 p.m. programs can maintain the audience they have brought aboard in a time of crisis is an open question. | As the programs have lost their top-of-the-media-heap status, television executives have devoted more resources to the main profit centers of the network news divisions, the morning shows. Whether the 6:30 p.m. programs can maintain the audience they have brought aboard in a time of crisis is an open question. |
| Updated June 24, 2020 | |
| Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. | |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| David Muir, the anchor of ABC’s “World News Tonight,” said the evening newscasts provided a valuable service in a fraught time. | |
| “This is a new normal, a sort of redefining of American life and who knows for how long,” he said. “I do feel the responsibility, more than ever before, that we don’t add to the noise. We have to have a place where people cut through it all and find the facts.” | |
| “CBS Evening News” had 7.6 million viewers on average for last week’s newscasts, a rise of 21 percent. Among 25- to 54-year-olds, the numbers were more striking: a 30 percent surge. | “CBS Evening News” had 7.6 million viewers on average for last week’s newscasts, a rise of 21 percent. Among 25- to 54-year-olds, the numbers were more striking: a 30 percent surge. |
| “We play it right down the middle every night,” Ms. O’Donnell said. “I think in this era, when people are fearful and looking for trusted sources, they’re like, ‘Oh, yeah, let me tune in at 6:30 Eastern, because I know I’m going to get just the facts.’” | “We play it right down the middle every night,” Ms. O’Donnell said. “I think in this era, when people are fearful and looking for trusted sources, they’re like, ‘Oh, yeah, let me tune in at 6:30 Eastern, because I know I’m going to get just the facts.’” |
| The networks have taken advantage of the renewed appetite by making their shows more readily available. NBC has moved a re-airing of its newscast to a 7:30 p.m. slot in several major markets, which has added several hundred thousand viewers to its audience, according to Nielsen, and ABC has broadcast “World News Tonight” live at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time in Los Angeles and San Francisco. | The networks have taken advantage of the renewed appetite by making their shows more readily available. NBC has moved a re-airing of its newscast to a 7:30 p.m. slot in several major markets, which has added several hundred thousand viewers to its audience, according to Nielsen, and ABC has broadcast “World News Tonight” live at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time in Los Angeles and San Francisco. |
| They are pulling it off with skeleton crews as many of their staff members work from home. | They are pulling it off with skeleton crews as many of their staff members work from home. |
| Mr. Holt, of NBC, was at home during a phone interview for this article on Monday, his dog barking in the background, in keeping with the network’s plan to stagger the number of people at the program’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza office throughout the day. | Mr. Holt, of NBC, was at home during a phone interview for this article on Monday, his dog barking in the background, in keeping with the network’s plan to stagger the number of people at the program’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza office throughout the day. |
| NBC had also fashioned a home studio in his Lower Manhattan apartment, just in case. And, indeed, a few hours after the interview, he anchored the broadcast from home for the first time. | NBC had also fashioned a home studio in his Lower Manhattan apartment, just in case. And, indeed, a few hours after the interview, he anchored the broadcast from home for the first time. |
| When reflecting on the robust public interest in his show, Mr. Holt mentioned a lunch his wife had made for him recently: tomato soup and grilled cheese. | When reflecting on the robust public interest in his show, Mr. Holt mentioned a lunch his wife had made for him recently: tomato soup and grilled cheese. |
| “Comfort food,” he said. “We’re all craving comfort. And whether it’s tomato soup and grilled cheese, or watching a broadcast that you remember growing up with as a kid that your parents watched, I think it’s all part of the same thing. What do I trust? What feels normal? What feels OK and comforting?” | “Comfort food,” he said. “We’re all craving comfort. And whether it’s tomato soup and grilled cheese, or watching a broadcast that you remember growing up with as a kid that your parents watched, I think it’s all part of the same thing. What do I trust? What feels normal? What feels OK and comforting?” |