Key Takeaways:
• In anticipation of the 2024 US elections, TV networks are preparing for possible delays.
• Executives are increasing the number of correspondents in swing states and beefing up expertise on state election laws.
• With two delayed election results in recorded history, networks are priming themselves to handle unexpected situations.
• The focus is shifting from being the first to call results to being accurate and reliable.
• The partisan landscape may affect the aftermath of the election night coverage.
Amid Uncertainty, Networks Gear Up for The 2024 Elections
The 2024 race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris signals uneven terrain for TV news operations. Network news divisions plan to deploy more correspondents across pivotal swing states. Some correspondents will be detailed specifically to monitor election security and potential protests.
Networks are bolstering their resources. NBC News, for instance, has enhanced its state election law portfolio, according to Catherine Kim, the network’s executive vice president for editorial. CNN has tapped the expertise of Benjamin Ginsberg, an experienced election lawyer. Networks are preparing dedicated teams for analytical and fact-checking tasks.
Accuracy Over Speed: Networks Change Gear
Calling the election outcome used to be a contest of speed. However, the trend is shifting towards accuracy and thoroughness. ABC News’ Washington bureau chief, Rick Klein, opined that viewers value accuracy over speed when it comes to projecting a state’s results.
Fox News’ early accurate call on Arizona for Biden during the 2020 elections highlights the possible backlash from premature reporting. The move sparked internal controversy and led viewers to question the conservative-leaning channel’s credibility.
Preparing for the Unpredictable
The possibility of not having projections on election night looms. Factors such as the uncertainty of early voters’ impact contribute to the unpredictable nature of the 2024 elections.
“We’ve come to expect the unexpected along the way,” commented Doug Rohrbeck, senior vice president for Washington news and politics at Fox News. As potential irregularities might arise, news organizations are gearing up to remain transparent throughout.
Glimpse into Projections and Fact-checking Processes
To further transparency, CBS News is planning to give viewers a closer look at the intricate process of calling states. The increased deployment of correspondents and producers in key counties inside swing states aims to reveal the official process.
“We’re going to see more live counting of ballots than ever before,” predicted Mary Hager, executive editor for politics at CBS News.
Potential Outcome Scenarios
The 2024 elections could see unexpected turnouts, similar to previous scenarios. Chris Stirewalt, the political director for NewsNation, suggested that early results from states like North Carolina and Georgia could provide some directional cues.
Nevertheless, the country must brace for any outcome, from a close race to a possible landslide in either direction. Stirewalt expressed his hope that the 2024 election process does not mirror the protracted 2000 Bush-Gore political tug-of-war, as such an ordeal could erode institutional strength and faith in leadership.