A couple of months ago, CNN touted and unveiled their groundbreaking documentary "Planet in Peril" which examined problems such as overpopulation and animal trafficking. One topic at the heart of this program was global warming. Anchors such as Anderson Cooper talked about the dangers of global warming while standing on melting polar ice caps. After the program, CNN took it one step further, displaying a new green logo (literally) and unveiling the new green CNN.

As a student that just spent the last summer as a student activist with Greenpeace, I applaud CNN's efforts. Our environment is in crisis mode, and while a lot of people seem to realize that, the neccessary steps are still not being taken to fix it. When I witnessed the seemingly environmentally conscious CNN, I was excited that a major news station was embracing the green movement.

Fast forward a couple months later...its election time and I feel like I am constantly watching CNN for debate coverage, primary results, etc. As I was watching CNN's YouTube debate I realized that the debate was sponsored by "American's for Balanced Energy Choices" (www.americaspower.org). I didn't think much about it until I recently started seeing the commercials for the organization. - Sponsored primarily by coal, electric, and drug companies this organization touts that coal creates one half of the US's energy, is cleaner and more efficient than ever, and is really something to be celebrated.

I find it laughable that CNN, who just a few months earlier talked about the danger and unhealthiness of coal, now has accepted this organization as one of its primary election sponsors. In Illinois, coal causes mercury poisoning, high asthma rates, and a host of other illnesses. So while the politicians wax poetic about their new energy policies during the debates, during the commericials Americans are saturated with the fabulousness of coal.

I understand that CNN needs to make a profit, but the idea of unveiling a new green CNN while presenting commercials sponsored by coal and oil companies is laughable at best. I definitely think everyone needs to pay attention to not only what these news organizations are saying, but what's going on during commercial breaks.

As for me? I'll be tuning in to MSNBC from now on...