Cup half full...

Bob Parks writes, about Cronkite,

The poll also reflects the chaotic state of the news industry at the start of the 21st century. When Cronkite reigned, a handful of major networks broadcast the evening news at about the same time. You either watched the news or turned off the television; now you have a thousand mindless alternatives to the news.

This is true. But of course, back then you could only get the news at that time - no other. Now you can get the news whenever you want it.