The Big Three networks ABC, CBS and NBC plan to pre-empt their usual entertainment programming at 10 p.m. each night for an hour of live coverage. Anchors like Norah ODonnell of CBS, Savannah Guthrie of NBC and George Stephanopoulos of ABC will guide viewers through the proceedings, including highlights from earlier in the night and real-time pundit analysis.
CNN and MSNBC are expected to carry the entirety of the Republicans 2.5-hour program live. Both networks aired the Democrats convention relatively unfiltered, with few interruptions from anchors and analysts. PBS and C-SPAN also plan to air this weeks events in full.
Fox Newss live coverage starts at 10 p.m. each night, led by the anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. Last week, Fox Newss 9 p.m. host, Sean Hannity, occasionally dipped into the Democrats convention during his show, for the most part chiming in with his own critical commentary. This week, it will be up to Mr. Hannitys discretion and that of his 8 p.m. lead-in, Tucker Carlson how much of the Republicans convention airs during his program.
Mr. Trump, an experienced hand at live television he relished participating in the live season finales during his years on The Apprentice is well aware of what plays, and what doesnt, on the small screen.
His decision to appear in the 10 p.m. hour each night of the convention is no coincidence. Thats when ABC, CBS and NBC all start their prime-time coverage, kicking in a few extra million viewers to the convention audience. While the cable channels CNN and MSNBC attracted the biggest ratings for the Democrats last week, the 10 p.m. broadcast audience is likely to stretch beyond political die-hards and voters who have already made up their minds.
Trump aides are also promising another reality-TV staple adored by the president: the element of surprise. There are going to be some breakout stars, some people that you would not expect to be supporters of the president, Jason Miller, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, told NBCs Chuck Todd on Meet the Press on Sunday. We have some big surprises lined up. Make sure youre tuning in.
To achieve the spice and suspense of an Apprentice episode, Mr. Trumps team turned to a series veteran: Sadoux Kim, a longtime Apprentice producer who worked closely with the shows creator, Mark Burnett. Mr. Kim, a lead consultant on the convention, has worked on other Trump television properties, including a Miss Universe pageant for which he served as a judge. Also on the convention payroll is Chuck LaBella, a former NBC entertainment executive who helped produce The Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump.read more
RNC Guide: What to Watch for Tonight
