Which type of appeal is represented by the claim "More people watched CBS News with Dan Rather on election night than any other station."?

The claim "More people watched CBS News with Dan Rather on election night than any other station" represents a Join the Bandwagon Appeal because it suggests that the popularity of CBS News signifies its credibility or superiority. This type of appeal encourages the audience to align themselves with the majority view or action, implying that if many people are choosing CBS News, it must be the best choice.

This approach often leverages social proof, which holds that individuals often look to the behavior and opinions of others when determining their own actions. By highlighting the high viewership, the statement invites others to join in and watch CBS, suggesting that not only is it a popular news source, but that choosing it aligns one with a wider community of viewers who have made the same choice.

Understanding this appeal is essential because it identifies how popular opinion can influence decision-making, especially in media consumption, where individuals might prefer to follow trends seen as accepted by many, rather than independently evaluating the quality of the information presented.