Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University / The purpose of this study is (l) to present in chronological sequence the various types of network television news programs that appeared between the years 1948-1957; (2) to evaluate the quality or news presentation on these programs by examination of their format and change in format; and (3) to determine in which area, if any, television news, as reflected in the network programs examined, is superior to the other existing news disseminating media.

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In his first term as president, George W. Bush was confronted with one of the worst national attacks in United States history: the September 11 terrorist attacks of 2001. Through the devastation, however, President Bush triumphed in unifying and guiding this nation during what would become the height of his rhetorical leadership. Following his reelection in 2004, President Bush faced one of the worst natural disasters in the nation's history: Category 4 Hurricane Katrina. In its aftermath, Katrina became known as "one of the worst mishandled disasters ever." Utilizing Kenneth Burke's pentad, this study analyzes the president's rhetorical response and the primetime network news coverage following each crisis in an attempt to determine how President Bush could fare so well in one instance, consoling and leading the American people, while falling short in his second major crisis during his term as president. / Master of Arts