The problem is that there's usually not much new to report after a short period time. After 9/11, the broadcast and cable news channels went into non-stop 24/7

The problem is that there's usually not much new to report after a short period time. After 9/11, the broadcast and cable news channels went into non-stop 24/7 coverage with no commercials. After a week, they started doing commercials. Anchors expressed relief. Not only were they emotionally and physically exhausted, but the pace of actual news had slowed a lot and they were simply vamping to fill air time. News is a tough problem. Editors don't want to put the same story on the front page with headline permutations because it will alienate readers. People supporting an agenda, or people who want coverage (brands and celebs), need to create news-worthy events to maintain coverage.