Final answer:
The television daypart with the largest audience is prime time. Despite the rise of 24-hour news channels and new media, prime time remains the most sought-after period for networks and advertisers due to high viewership, especially with popular programming that caters to the 18-49 demographic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The television daypart that attracts the largest viewing audience is prime time. This period is when television networks schedule their most popular programs, including dramas, reality shows, and sit-coms, aiming to capture the critical 18-49 demographic that advertisers covet. Network giants like NBC, ABC, and CBS have been known to draw the largest audiences, especially during the evening news broadcasts, with millions of viewers tuning in nightly. The popularity of cable news channels like CNN, MSNBC, and FOX News, which offer 24-hour news broadcasts, has also played a role in media consumption patterns. However, they do not exceed the viewership numbers of prime time shows on network television.
Television consumption has evolved significantly since Edward R. Murrow's time, transitioning from a handful of networks to a vast array of cable and satellite options, yet the prime time slot remains the most sought after by networks and advertisers alike. The rise of new media has also influenced the way news is delivered, with some viewers preferring news with humor, as seen in programs like The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Despite this, the traditional prime time window maintains its position as the peak viewing period for the most expansive audiences.