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Networks want to win election night

Sabri Ben-Achour Oct 31, 2016
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A television cameraman tests his equipment prior to showtime at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, where the final 2016 presidential debate took place. PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images

Networks want to win election night

Sabri Ben-Achour Oct 31, 2016
A television cameraman tests his equipment prior to showtime at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, where the final 2016 presidential debate took place. PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images
HTML EMBED:
COPY

Hillary and Donald aren’t the only ones who will win or lose on election night. Election night coverage is a viewer bonanza for TV networks, and they’ll be competing for those viewers. The ads may be paid for come election night (and they will command a premium price), but the winner gets new eyeballs that may stick around in the future. The winner also gets to brag and argue they’re more valuable to advertisers the next time around.  How does a network win the election night?  Fancy graphics, compelling personalities, and …by being first with the results. That’s a dangerous game to play.

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