There were a lot of these early on. I read somewhere that TV personalities were actively soliciting such appearances at the time. I did notice it then and had thoughts similar to yours, i.e. that it undermines their professional credibility, although it's not like there ever was much to undermine in the first place even at the time. And in the post-factual world we live in now, TV news practically is just another form of entertainment anyway, so by now I just see them as actors playing themselves.

@Papshmir said:

There were a lot of these early on. I read somewhere that TV personalities were actively soliciting such appearances at the time. I did notice it then and had thoughts similar to yours, i.e. that it undermines their professional credibility, although it's not like there ever was much to undermine in the first place even at the time. And in the post-factual world we live in now, TV news practically is just another form of entertainment anyway, so by now I just see them as actors playing themselves.

Well, it's interesting because I remember them early on too, and I found it odd then, but it also kinda added some credibility to the series (not that Kevin Spacey, et al. isn't enough credibility). And perhaps I am a bit more sensitive to it now than seasons past, but they are heavily sprinkled throughout Season 5 and I just really don't think it serves their brand well. BTW, not only individual personalities (I was shocked to see Charlie Rose!) but also entire networks...in fact I think CNN, FoxNews and MSNBC. I just really don't see how it serves those organizations well unless they really view themselves as entertainment.

A closing thought, perhaps rather than being critical of those who do it, I should celebrate those who have chosen not to do it like BBC, Rueters, etc. Oh well, it just seems like a strange business move unless you are truly more interested in building a brand than a good reputation.

Part of the reason this show is so overhyped is because they cozied up to journalists and politicians, who of course want to support a TV series that strokes their ego--and if the elites and media are telling you a show is good, of course it's good. But House of Cards is not that good. So, yes, you're right, there is some compromising going on.

Oh how the House of Cards has fallen! (Spacey, politicians, news anchors...oh my!)