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NewsNation proposes alternative debate for Trump and Harris
A new contender in the debate arena
In a bold move, NewsNation has thrown its hat into the ring, proposing to host a presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. This comes after Trump declined an event scheduled with ABC News for September 10, suggesting instead a debate with Fox News on September 4.
The proposal
Sean Compton, a Nexstar executive overseeing NewsNation, reached out to both candidates’ campaign teams, offering a “fair, respectful, and even-handed debate” on NewsNation, co-sponsored by The Hill. Compton emphasized the network’s flexibility regarding the timing, format, and location, suggesting a battleground state like Pennsylvania as a potential venue.
The growing interest in exclusive debates
The pitch from NewsNation highlights the increasing interest from news outlets in securing a piece of the 2024 presidential election events. This interest is partly driven by the willingness of both Democrats and Republicans to bypass the traditional debate system managed by the Commission on Presidential Debates. Additionally, the desire for exclusive live events that can attract large audiences is a significant factor, especially in an era where many viewers have shifted to streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu.
NewsNation’s audience and reach
Despite being a relatively new player in the news scene, having launched in 2021, NewsNation is striving to provide an alternative to more partisan rivals. The network has recruited anchors and producers with experience from Fox News Channel, ABC News, and other major outlets, leveraging Nexstar’s extensive local-station network.
A recent debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, broadcast in June, drew 51.27 million viewers across various networks. CNN, which moderated the event, attracted 9.53 million viewers, while Fox News and ABC News garnered 9.28 million and 9.21 million viewers, respectively. NewsNation, along with Scripps News, Univision, BET, Newsmax, and PBS, captured a portion of the 3.45 million viewers.
Building credibility
Compton pointed to the praise NewsNation received after televising the third and final Republican primary debate in December, moderated by Elizabeth Vargas, Megyn Kelly, and Eliana Johnson. Although the event drew a modest 1.6 million viewers, it showcased NewsNation’s commitment to nonpartisan journalism.
Competing proposals
Vice President Harris has already proposed appearing with ABC News on September 10, while Fox News has suggested a debate on September 17 in Pennsylvania, moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum.
The case for NewsNation
Compton highlighted NewsNation and The Hill’s reputation for nonpartisan reporting, making them an ideal platform for a meaningful discussion on the critical issues facing America as the election approaches. He did not specify which anchors might moderate the proposed debate, but NewsNation’s well-known staff includes Elizabeth Vargas, Chris Cuomo, Dan Abrams, Ashleigh Banfield, and Leland Vittert.
Final thoughts
As the 2024 presidential election draws nearer, the competition among news outlets to host debates is intensifying. NewsNation’s proposal underscores its ambition to become a significant player in the media landscape, offering a fresh, unbiased perspective on the political discourse. Whether this new contender will succeed in securing a debate remains to be seen, but its entry into the fray adds an exciting dimension to the unfolding election season.
