Husband focuses on the visual— if it’s been shown once, he’ll say I’ve seen that before, but does not comprehend what’s going on.

My husband developed vascular dementia, many years after having a massive stroke. His comprehension of the spoken word, got much worse as time went by. That can be one of many symptoms of dementia. Maybe it's time to have your husband evaluated by a neurologist.

The news is depressing, I'm not surprised he enjoys the commercials more.

It is possible that the TBI has caused some dementia but this would have to be confirmed by a doctors exam.
can you switch to watching news earlier or later? If that is not an option there are headphones that can be linked to the tv so that would cancel out the outside noise. Option would be for you to wear them or your husband, it might actually allow him to focus more on what he is seeing on tv.

I am not an expert on dementia. Others on this forum are more qualified to answer your concerns due to having experience with a family member with dementia.

I would like to say that some people do observe in a more visual way. Sometimes they simply have an argumentative attitude in life.

My mom is into fashion and during Covid when newscasters were filming from home would say, “She needs to go to a hair stylist to get her hair done!” Comments can work on our nerves.

Can we change their perspective? I don’t think so. I only frustrated myself whenever I tried to get mom to perceive something differently.

Best wishes to you and your dad. It can be a challenge communicating with others in our family.