Bucco, thanks for your feedback. I think it's common knowledge that TV news is a commercial business funded by advertisements. As such, their model is to maximize viewership. Nonetheless, I agree that's not "substantiating an allegation" so if in your view my opinion about funding for TV news rises to the level of an "allegation," I guess I'm guilty as charged. To that I would say that in my view, an example of an "allegation" would be something like "TV news ruins lives" - which is nothing like what I said.
Saying, as I did, that TV news gives people what they want, is nothing more than an opinion, especially since continued viewership would indicate there is some credence to my opinion. And there is nothing negative about it, unlike an "allegation." If you're disagreeing that people watch TV news so that they can see advertisements, I can understand that, as I don't think that's the case. I'd be surprised if people watch TV news for the advertisements, but they are seeing them anyway, and that's what the TV news shows want in order to survive.
In any case, as requested, here's a bit of "substantiation" from the good people at the Neilsen TV ratings service:
Research Study Shows TV Viewers Really Do Watch Commercials – Nielsen
I appreciate your concern that I might not be getting all the news I need to protect myself and my family. Rest assured I am. And I'm rigidly adhering to CDC's guidelines, just for the record. The thought of possibly infecting someone else while being unaware I could be infected is a very sobering one, and a very unpleasant one at that. It is not something I want to risk doing.
Point taken about weather and hurricane news coverage. I'm sure it sometimes saves lives. It's just my opinion that it's sometimes exaggerated, but you're right, not always.