The upcoming presidential debates between Joe Biden and Donald Trump have taken an unexpected turn, with both campaigns bypassing the Commission on Presidential Debates to organize their own events. This move has put CNN and ABC News in the spotlight as they prepare to host these historic debates.
ABC News has announced that David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate a debate scheduled for September 10, while CNN is set to host a debate on June 27 with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash as questioners. Both networks have the opportunity to make these debates available for simulcast on other U.S. television networks or streaming services, potentially reaching a wider audience.
The decision to hold these debates independently of the Commission on Presidential Debates is a departure from the usual practice of organizing events to maximize viewership. Traditionally, debates during the general election campaign are organized by the commission in an effort to engage as many viewers as possible.
The 2020 debates between Biden and Trump were broadcast on at least 16 networks, with the first debate attracting 73.1 million viewers and the second debate drawing 63 million viewers. However, with the upcoming debates being organized outside of the commission’s purview, there is uncertainty about how many networks will carry the events.
CNN, in particular, faces a dilemma as it considers whether to keep the debate exclusively on its network or share it with other outlets. The network’s chief executive, Mark Thompson, emphasized the importance of hosting the debate on CNN during a recent sales presentation to advertisers, highlighting the potential for increased viewership.
Despite the challenges of declining cable and satellite viewership, CNN has the opportunity to reach a global audience by streaming the debate on its international and Spanish-speaking networks, as well as on CNN Max and CNN.com. However, the network may face criticism if it chooses to keep the debate exclusive to its platform.
Political polarization in the media landscape could also impact viewership, with some audiences potentially choosing to skip the debate if it is not shared across multiple networks. The decision to hold the debates in television studios without an audience could help mitigate distractions and ensure a more focused discussion between the candidates.
Overall, the upcoming presidential debates present a unique opportunity for CNN and ABC News to showcase their journalistic integrity and commitment to informing the public. As the debates approach, all eyes will be on how these networks handle the responsibility of hosting these critical events in the midst of a highly polarized political climate.