Gas Prices Rise. Americans Have Survived Every Previous Spike. Here's the Scale.

What Happened

Gas prices in the United States have risen sharply, causing financial stress for many American households. The NY Times pairs this with a historical reflection on Ted Turner's founding of CNN in 1980 — the network that pioneered 24-hour news coverage, fundamentally changing how Americans consume information about events exactly like rising gas prices.

Historical Context

Gas price spikes are cyclical and well-documented. The U.S. has weathered far more severe shocks: the 1973 OPEC embargo caused prices to quadruple overnight, leading to gas rationing and mile-long queues. The 1979 Iranian Revolution triggered another crisis. The 2008 spike pushed prices above $4/gallon nationally. Each time, prices eventually normalized. As for 24-hour news — Turner launched CNN in 1980 to widespread mockery ("Chicken Noodle News"). What it actually unleashed was a relentless demand for content to fill airtime, which transformed every price fluctuation, every political statement, every weather event into a "crisis" requiring constant attention. The very format of news you're consuming right now is part of Ted Turner's legacy.

What's In Your Control

Whether you drive less, carpool, or adjust discretionary spending temporarily. Whether you call your representatives if you believe policy change is warranted. Whether you check gas prices obsessively on an app, or simply fill up when needed. And — given the second half of this headline — whether you consume 24-hour news at all, or choose a calmer, more selective information diet.

Does This Require Action?

If higher gas prices affect your budget, practical adjustments are worth making. Otherwise, awareness only. The second story about Ted Turner is arguably the more important one — it explains precisely why the first story feels more alarming than it may need to be.