The budget struggles between the news and entertainment divisions at USB Network boil down to one thing, ratings. That is, ratings enable USB to sell advertising at higher pricing because they show that USB delivers more viewers (i.e. consumers) to advertisers than other networks. Journalistic integrity flies out the window when real, fact-based news produces lower rated shows than infotainment. All three major U.S. network news shows have added infotainment to their programming, mainly to compete with cable channel news shows that have a more tabloid oriented content. As Arthur Jensen tells Howard Beale, ôThere is only one holistic system of systems; one vast, interwoven, interacting, multivaried, multinational dominion of dollars,ö (Lumet 1977).
Howard BealeÆs rage is popular and a ratings bonanza because it taps into the American psyche of the average ôeverymanö. Sick of corporate AmericaÆs control of nearly every aspect of daily living, Americans relate to BealeÆs straightforward and blunt talk about how they are getting ôscrewedö in the process of sustaining profitability for corporations. Diane understands due to her one-track, profit-oriented character that such a ratings bonanza can be used against itself to increase viewership (i.e. ratings). Though she has little capacity for human feeling, Diana knows BealeÆs messiah-like rants and raves tap into the average American psyche, one that is fed up with the ôbullshitö. In a world filled with major news stories, the front pages are plastered with stories on Beale. Howard Beale provides a simpatico persona for all Americans who feel their lives devalued by corporate America in an increasingly secular and fragmented society. As Diana exclaims, ôHoward Beale is processed instant God, and right now, it looks like he may just go over bigger than Mary Tyler Mooreö (Lumet 1977).
By packaging real events on TV, producers like Diana understand t
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