American Pravda (CNN nickname)
The Cable News Network (now called CNN) began in 1980 as the first all-news 24-hour television network. CNN has been called "American Pravda" by those who believe that it serves a…
Anchorman or Anchor Man (America’s Anchorman)
A news anchorman (or anchorwoman) leads the program, introducing news reporters and commentators. The term "anchor man" has a long use in sports. In tug-of-war, the anchorman is the last…
Angertainment (anger+ entertainment)
"Angertainment" is a portmanteau term from the words "anger" and "entertainment." Political radio and television programs on Fox News and CNBC and talk radio can draw…
Awful Broadcasting Company (ABC nickname)
The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) began in 1943 and is headquartered on Manhattan’s Upper West Side (near Lincoln Center). The ABC nickname of "Awful Broadcasting Company" was…
Begathon (Beg-athon; “beg” + “telethon”)
Marvin Kitman is a longtime Newsday television critic who has often appeared on New York area television. I wrote to him several years ago, and he told me that he coined the term…
Big Apple (act on America’s Got Talent, 2022)
On the NBC television show America's Got Talent, on July 26, 2022, a character dressed as an apple and called "Big Apple" auditioned. New York City (nicknamed "Big Apple")…
Big Apple (crime drama television series, 2001)
Big Apple was a CBS television crime drama, set in New York City, that ran for eight hour-long episodes, March 1-April 19, 2001. It had high production values and got generally good reviews, but…
Big Apple Minute (WNEW-TV Channel 5, 1980-1987)
New York City television's Channel 5 (WNEW until 1986, when it became WNYW) featured one minute "Big Apple Minute" segments about New York City metropolitan area attractions,…
Big Apple Movie (WNEW-TV Channel 5, 1981-1986)
New York City television station Channel 5 (WNEW-TV) showed a "Big Apple Movie" on Sundays from 6-8 p.m. The "Big Apple Movie" was usually a classic; its subject matter…
Big Brother Corporation (BBC nickname)
The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is a channel that is available on many cable systems around the world. The BBC has been given the backronym (back acronym) of "Big Brother…
Boob Tube (television)
The "boob tube" is a nickname for the television -- a tube (cathode-ray tube) for boobs (idiots). "As a chronicler of the boob-tube, I have received hundreds of letters, but the bulk…
British Brainwashing Corporation (British Broadcasting Corporation or BBC nickname)
The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is a channel that is available on many cable systems around the world. The BBC has been given the backronym (back acronym) of "British Brainwashing…
British Bullshit Corporation (British Broadcasting Corporation or BBC nickname)
The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is a channel that is available on many cable systems around the world. The BBC has been given the backronym (back acronym) of "British Bullshit…
Buggering British Children (British Broadcasting Corporation or BBC nickname)
Entry in progress -- B.P. The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is a channel that is available on many cable systems around the world. The BBC has been given the backronym (back acronym) of…
Cabal News Network (CNN nickname)
The Cable News Network (now called CNN) began in 1980 as the first all-news 24-hour television network. Some who ridicule CNN have called it the "Cabal News Network." The word…
Canadian Brainwashing Corporation (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation or CBC nickname)
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) is a channel that is available on some cable systems in the United States. The CBC has been given the backronym (back acronym) of “Canadian…
Canadian Bullshit Corporation (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation or CBC nickname)
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) is a channel that is available on some cable systems in the United States. The CBC has been given the backronym (back acronym) of “Canadian Bullshit…
Cartoon News Network (Cable News Network or CNN nickname)
CNN began in 1980, with the letters representing "Cable News Network." The disparaging nickname "Cartoon News Network" has been cited in print since at least October 2000, but…
Certainly Not News (CNN nickname)
The Cable News Network (CNN), a 24-hour cable news channel, was founded by Ted Turner and first broadcast on June 1, 1980. The unflattering CNN nickname of "Certainly Not News" has been…
Chicken Noodle News or Chicken Noodle Network (CNN nickname)
The Cable News Network (CNN) was founded by Ted Turner and first broadcast on June 1, 1980. Other television networks (ABC, CBS and NBC) laughed about CNN's seeming amateurishness and low…