"Today" gives the American public an idea of what is new in the world today. Brightly colored backgrounds and a laid back atmosphere set the foundation for its wholesome, yet bubbly anchors, Katie Couric and Matt Lauer. They personally communicate with guests creating a feeling that you could be their friend, and by being their friend you should be interested in what they have to say. This assumption is a great example of the ritual view of communication because Couric and Lauer never specifically asked you to be their friend, however, you assumed that by associating with them, they will report on issues that are important to you.
The September 26th episode of the "NBC Nightly News" was also primarily concerned with the effects of the recent tragedy. This program also began with an update about the Afghani crisis, which was followed by segments concerning the effect of the act on the CIA, the economy, and especially travel. The show closed with a segment about the hero dogs of the tragedy and emphasized the notion that "we are all in this together." Unlike "Today," the "NBC Nightly News" employs a no-nonsense approach to the transmission of the day's news. The sole anchor, Tom Brokaw, has little communication with the audience; rather, he casts out stories to other news journalists. This type of report is an example of the transmission view of communication. Little is done to involve the audience; nonetheless, the information is transferred from person to person with minimal interruption.
In the segment of "Today" about fundraising efforts by the Red Cross and the United Way, the ritual view of communication is concerned with how the program created the notion that it will take time to rebuild life. The segment about memorable still photos established a sense of patriotism, and the ritual view of communication is concerned about how it evoked a sense of humanistic appeal for today's heroes.