Was last week the worst one in CNBC's 20-year history — or the best? The financial news network, a unit of NBC Universal, was savaged by "The Daily Show" in a viral video sensation. It was criticized for being too cozy with the corporations it covers. One of its stars, Jim Cramer, was ridiculed by the White House press secretary. And one of its reporters faced a new round of criticism for an on-air outburst about mortgage "losers." All the while, CNBC covered the incessant downward slide of the economy with special reports on particularly bad days for the markets. Whether the attention is positive or negative, it is certain that this tumultuous financial season is CNBC's reason for being. One month shy of its 20th anniversary, CNBC is being jokingly called "the recession network."
