Broadcasters prepare comprehensive coverage of 2024 US election night (and beyond)

Major broadcast and cable networks are mobilizing unprecedented resources to broadcast the 2024 US presidential election; with plans to implement longer-form programming and new technology to help viewers follow results.

The risks are particularly high in this cycle; Seven battleground states feature tight races between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Networks face the challenge of providing accurate and timely news while managing concerns about security and misinformation.

Selection release plans by broadcaster

ABC News

ABC News announced the most Extensive election coverage to datewith more than 72 hours of programming across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms. “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir will anchor the network broadcast beginning Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. EST.

The network strategically positioned its political team; Chief White House correspondent Mary Bruce and senior congressional correspondent Rachel Scott provided analysis. The network sent reporters to key locations: Whit Johnson covering the Trump/Vance campaign, Eva Pilgrim at Harris/Walz headquarters, and additional teams in battleground states.

ABC’s “Ballot” desk, staffed by the investigations unit and run by chief justice correspondent Pierre Thomas, will monitor election integrity issues. Political contributors Donna Brazile, Chris Christie and Reince Priebus will provide analysis throughout the evening.

NBC News

NBC News will make an unprecedented offer 24-hour uninterrupted live broadcast It will begin at 5pm EST on Election Day and will be broadcast from the new, state-of-the-art polling station at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. “NBC Nightly News” anchor Lester Holt and “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie will headline the broadcast.

The network has positioned more than 100 journalists across the country, including teams at both campaign headquarters. NBC’s Vote Watch initiative will track misinformation and voting irregularities with reporters Laura Jarrett and Tom Winter on the Vote Watch desk.

telemundo

Notifications Telemundo will broadcast From a specially constructed selection set at Telemundo Center, where hosts Julio Vaqueiro and Arantxa Loizaga will headline the prime time broadcast starting at 7pm EST.

The network has incorporated augmented reality technology and launched the T Verifica fact-checking platform in Spanish and English.

CNBC

CNBC will deliver market-oriented election broadcast Carl Quintanilla’s “Your Money, Your Vote” with Jim Cramer and Sara Eisen from the New York Stock Exchange starting at 7pm EST.

Scott Wapner will host panels attended by investors throughout the evening, while broadcasts throughout the night will be moderated by Contessa Brewer, Frank Holland and Brian Sullivan from the network’s Global Headquarters. The network has positioned reporters in prominent positions, including Eamon Javers covering Trump, Megan Cassella covering Harris and Eunice Yoon reporting market reactions from Beijing. A special four-hour “Squawk Box” edition featuring Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin will air from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. EST.

CNN

CNN’s election headquarters will operate from both Washington, D.C. and New York City, with Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper anchoring “Election Night in America” starting at 4pm EST. The network deployed more than two dozen reporters in battleground states.

John King returns to the Magic Wall with enhanced features, while the network introduced a mobile version that allows viewers to access similar data analysis tools through the CNN app. David Chalian will present analysis focused on exit poll and voting data from Battleground Desk.

Kaitlan Collins will broadcast from Trump campaign headquarters with reporting by Kristen Holmes, while Abby Phillip will report from Harris headquarters with Jeff Zeleny. The network’s coverage will be broadcast live on CNN Max and digital platforms, with no cable subscription required.

Fox News

Fox News to air “Fox News: Democracy 2024” recently upgraded Studio MIt includes new augmented reality capabilities and interactive data visualization tools. Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum will stabilize the coverage area together.

The network’s technical upgrades include Bill Hemmer’s advanced “Bill” board equipped with infrared sensor tracking for 3D data interaction. New features include the “Road to 270” election map and the “5 Closest Races” tool that provides real-time updates on competitive races.

More than two dozen reporters will cover battleground states, and Harris Faulkner will host a live audience of voters throughout the evening. The network will rely on voter analysis data from NORC at the University of Chicago and the Associated Press.

MSNBC

Rachel Maddow will lead MSNBC’s prime time broadcast Kicking off at 6pm EST from New York City, Nicolle Wallace, Ari Melber, Joy Reid and others will join. The network had more than 100 reporters nationwide, with Steve Kornacki providing analysis on the Big Board.

The network’s coverage includes teams of experts monitoring potential election challenges with input from election law experts such as Rick Hasen, Matt Sanderson, and John Fortier.

NewsNation

NewsNation partners with Decision Desk Headquarters on first presidential election as a 24-hour news network for real-time results and analysis. Chris Cuomo, Elizabeth Vargas and Leland Vittert will co-host the broadcast from 6 PM to 1 AM EST, with The CW simulcasting portions of the broadcast.

The network introduced “Electoral Pulse,” a visual tool that provides real-time updates on projected outcomes using probability metrics. Reporters will report from both campaign headquarters and battleground states.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon has made a major foray into election coverage by signing former NBC anchor Brian Williams to host “Election Night Live with Brian Williams.” 10 hours of special broadcast streaming Produced in a custom-built newsroom on an MGM soundstage in Los Angeles, it’s free starting at 5pm EST.

The broadcast will feature limited commercial breaks and feature guests from different media circles. The broadcast will be produced by White Cherry Entertainment, directed by Glenn Weiss and executive produced by Jonathan Wald.

peacock

NBCUniversal’s streaming service will extend the multi-view feature previously used for Olympic broadcasts through election night. The service will offer a curated three-view experience featuring NBC News Now, a special “Kornacki Cam” and a balance of power map with real-time results.

Spectrum News

Spectrum News+ Provides election coverage It will begin at 7pm EST through a collaboration between the national team and local networks, with all programming simulcast over C-SPAN2.

National anchor Josh Robin and NY1 political reporter Ayana Harry will handle studio news, Cassie Semyon will report from Harris-Walz headquarters and Taylor Popielarz will cover the Trump-Vance campaign. The coverage will be available free to all viewers via the Spectrum News App and Xumo Play, and will include analysis from Alex Cohen and Bob Hart, as well as coverage of key Senate and House races in battleground states.

C-span

C-SPANISH will offer ad-free, unedited streaming From 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 to noon on Nov. 6, it focuses on both the presidential and congressional races, without commentary or experts.

Greta Brawner, Peter Slen, Tammy Thueringer, Pedro Echevarria and John McArdle will host the 17-hour broadcast, which also includes partnerships with Spectrum News for battlefield situation reporting. The network plans to broadcast at least 20 victory and concession speeches in full, while also offering interactive results tracking down to the congressional district level via C-SPAN.org. Coverage will be available on C-SPAN platforms, including C-SPAN Radio and the C-SPAN Now app.

BBC News

British broadcaster’s plans extensive nightly programming From Washington, DC, led by US Chief Presenters Caitríona Perry and Sumi Somaskanda. The coverage features reporters in battleground states and analysis of the election’s global impact.

Sky News

Sky News will be published from NBC’s Washington studios, starring lead anchor Mark Austin and world news anchor Yalda Hakim. The network will use exit poll and vote count data from NBC News through its corporate partnerships.

Security and misinformation concerns

Networks have increased their preparations for possible security incidents and misinformation campaigns. Many have set up special verification units and partnered with election security experts to monitor developments throughout election day.

A recent Joint Intelligence Bulletin warned of potential threats to election infrastructure and media operations, prompting networks to increase security measures and establish rapid response protocols.

Extended coverage plans

Given the expected close results and changing state rules regarding processing mail ballots, the networks are preparing for coverage that extends well beyond election night. Many have planned special programs through November 6 and developed contingency plans to expand coverage if necessary.

The combined coverage represents the most comprehensive deployment of resources and technology in election broadcast history; The networks emphasize their commitment to accurate reporting over speed in their race calls.