CNN is forcing other television networks and outlets to comply with an inventory of tedious requirements in exchange for the power to air the primary 2024 presidential debate, sources told The Los Angeles Times.
Despite becoming the primary TV network in history to secure the exclusive rights to air a general election debate, CNN is opting to permit other networks the power to simulcast the June 27 face-off between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
The network, nevertheless, has cobbled together a relatively finicky list of conditions for what rival networks and other outlets like Fox News and MSNBC are allowed to do in exchange for the rights to the talk feed, sources told the paper.
CNN has foisted an inventory requirements on networks and outlets trying to air the June 27 presidential debate. Ron Haviv/VII/Redux
Amongst the necessities is that every one networks must display CNN’s on-screen logo through the simulcast.
Other networks can flaunt their very own graphics in the course of the debate, which shall be moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, however the cable network’s logo have to be clearly visible in the course of the event.
CNN is also policing other outlets’ language in regards to the debate, requiring them to consult with the June showdown because the “CNN Presidential Debate.”
Any on-air promotions or ads for the telecast must consult with it as “CNN Presidential Debate Simulcast” while program guides and TV listings must call the event “Simulcast: CNN Presidential Debate.”
In one other presidential debate first, the cable network will include a pair of economic breaks in the course of the 90-minute event, each three-and-a-half minutes long.
Among the many demands is that networks must display CNN’s logo throughout the simulcast. REUTERS
Other outlets running the simulcast can opt to make use of their very own commercials as an alternative of those sold by CNN, but having their very own anchors or commentators opine in the course of the breaks — or at any point in the course of the event — is verboten.
Network executives told The Times they’re pushing back on the necessities, and a few may opt to not air promos for the simulcast in the event that they must utter CNN’s name each time.
The struggling cable news network has been plagued lately by rotating executives, budget cuts, and plummeting rankings.
That is the primary time a TV network in history has secured the exclusive rights to air a presidential debate. Ron Haviv/VII/Redux
The primary presidential debate between the identical two candidates in 2020 brought in 73 million viewers, and CNN is probably going trying to capitalize on the event and beef up its brand, including displaying its red logo behind the talk stage, as an alternative of the Structure, as has been tradition.
A CNN representative told the outlet the necessities are being requested in exchange for the network covering all of the talk’s production costs.
“CNN is unilaterally producing this debate, and that requires transparency with viewers and a considerable investment of resources,” the representative said.
