CNN is forcing different tv networks and retailers to comply with a listing of tedious necessities in alternate for the power to air the primary 2024 presidential debate, sources informed The Los Angeles Instances.
Regardless of turning into the primary TV community in historical past to safe the unique rights to air a basic election debate, CNN is opting to permit different networks the power to simulcast the June 27 face-off between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
The community, nevertheless, has cobbled collectively a moderately finicky record of circumstances for what rival networks and different retailers like Fox Information and MSNBC are allowed to do in alternate for the rights to the talk feed, sources informed the paper.
Among the many necessities is that every one networks should show CNN’s on-screen brand by means of the simulcast.
Different networks can flaunt their very own graphics in the course of the debate, which will likely be moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, however the cable community’s brand should be clearly seen in the course of the occasion.
CNN is also policing different retailers’ language in regards to the debate, requiring them to consult with the June showdown because the “CNN Presidential Debate.”
Any on-air promotions or adverts for the telecast should consult with it as “CNN Presidential Debate Simulcast” whereas program guides and TV listings should name the occasion “Simulcast: CNN Presidential Debate.”
In one other presidential debate first, the cable community will embrace a pair of economic breaks in the course of the 90-minute occasion, every three-and-a-half minutes lengthy.
Different retailers operating the simulcast can decide to make use of their very own commercials as a substitute of these bought by CNN, however having their very own anchors or commentators opine in the course of the breaks — or at any level in the course of the occasion — is verboten.
Community executives informed The Instances they’re pushing again on the necessities, and a few might decide to not air promos for the simulcast in the event that they need to utter CNN’s title each time.
The struggling cable information community has been plagued in recent times by rotating executives, funds cuts, and plummeting rankings.
The primary presidential debate between the identical two candidates in 2020 introduced in 73 million viewers, and CNN is probably going trying to capitalize on the occasion and beef up its model, together with displaying its crimson brand behind the talk stage, as a substitute of the Structure, as has been custom.
A CNN consultant informed the outlet the necessities are being requested in alternate for the community masking the entire debate’s manufacturing prices.
“CNN is unilaterally producing this debate, and that requires transparency with viewers and a considerable funding of sources,” the consultant mentioned.
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