It’s a new day in American politics. There is a new president, a new crisis and since 2006, a new majority in Congress. As always with our democracy, with each new leadership there is a new opposition. Options for breaking news used to be limited to the big three networks and their evening newscasts. Yet viewers have declared that they want more and elevated cable news channels to an undeniable market share. How can you fix your policy twenty-four hours a day? Satellite TV is a great way to make it happen.

Each network can mark a moment when its existence went from fragile to essential. For CNN, it was definitely the Gulf War. From “Stormin'” Norman Schwarzkopf to the Baghdad Butcher, the personalities had a star power usually reserved for Hollywood. Add CNN host Wolf Blitzer to the mix and you have iconic names that only a screenwriter could have come up with. But it was reality and since the early ’90s Blitzer has been one of the most respected anchors in the business. Viewers can watch it every day on Situation Room, broadcast on CNN HD. The Situation Room is a balanced look at the daily news, from political pieces to celebrity and economic reports.

Of course, the big chains have not been left out. The NBC empire found a way to stay in the know by using cable channels to expand its reach and maintain its market share. Satellite TV subscribers can tune in to MSNBC for the latest in politics, with shows like Chris Mathews’ Hardball. Much like the sound of his name, Mathews is known for his confrontational style during question and answer sessions with politicians. Since his attacks are often aimed at getting direct answers (sometimes impossible with politicians), Mathews has endeared himself to an audience tired of the formal, hollow interviews typical of the news industry. Like any good shooter, Mathews doesn’t give up many free passes in Hardball.

As for its sister network CNBC, now available in high definition format, the focus is business. With live reporting from Wall Street and financial centers around the world, CNBC is a great way for an investor to keep abreast of trends in an increasingly volatile market. Accused of abusing its influence and somehow fueling the bull market that led to the economic downturn, CNBC has some ground to catch up when it comes to public trust.

If you’re looking for something with a more conservative spin, Fox News Channel and Fox Business Channel offer the alternative to an industry many consider to be left-leaning. You won’t find any liberals on Fox (unless they’re on the bench) and you can see how the Republican party plans to bounce back after recent losses in the national elections.

Finally, if you’re sick of serious politics, check out John Stewart’s Daily Show on Comedy Central. By offering a critical and often hilarious take on the news, Stewart proves that even reporting can be funny. With satellite television, everyone makes their case; you can decide for yourself.