ABC and NBC Will Not Take Trump’s Speech Live as Other TV Networks’ Plans Remain Uncertain
ABC, CNN and NBC were not planning to pre-empt regularly scheduled programming for the president’s remarks at 9 p.m. Fox News is set to carry it live.
The decision by ABC and NBC not to air President Trump's speech live is notable, especially given the usual practice of carrying presidential addresses live. This move suggests that the networks are exercising editorial discretion, potentially due to concerns about the content or tone of the speech. By not pre-empting their regularly scheduled programming, these networks are implying that the speech does not warrant live coverage.
This development is also significant in the context of the current media landscape, where cable news channels have become major players in shaping public discourse. Fox News' decision to carry the speech live, for instance, is consistent with its reputation as a network that often provides a platform for conservative voices. Meanwhile, CNN's plan to air the speech live may reflect its focus on covering major news events.
What's next to watch is how other networks, including CBS and MSNBC, plan to handle the speech. Will they follow ABC and NBC's lead, or will they opt to carry it live like Fox News and CNN? The answer will provide further insight into the networks' editorial priorities and their approach to covering the President's communications.
Originally reported by nytimes.com. BahaNews adds analysis for general news readers.