election coverage 2014

The midterm elections are here, and control of the U.S. Senate is in the balance. Still, these are midterms, not a presidential election, so television coverage will be significant, but below 2012. Cable news will be all over things, while the broadcasters are mostly sticking with regular programming, save for updates, online programming and 10 p.m. specials. There are also a wide array of online offerings, giving viewers more flexibility to take in the results on their second (or third) screen of choice.

ABC News has announced plans for its coverage of the elections, notably combining its on-air broadcast with the digital coverage. Instead of having an entirely different program for second screen viewers, it will be the same cast of characters, same lineup.

Lower prices for technologies once thought out of the reach of the average station are giving news departments more options for their graphics. Among the more affordable innovations are virtual sets and immersive graphics as well as the ability to integrate social media comments into on-air election coverage. This is the final installment of a three-part special report on 2014 election coverage. To read the other stories, click here.

Whether they consider TV to be a first screen or a second screen, local TV news execs agree that digital and social media, which have been evolving as Election Night tools for the last several election cycles, will be playing even bigger roles this November. The challenge, they say, is in creating second-screen experiences that complement, enhance or otherwise drive viewership to what they’re doing on the air — and vice versa. This is part 2 of a three-part special report on 2014 election coverage. Part 3 on Thursday will examine the tools stations will deploy to create an edge with their election graphics. To read the other stories, click here.

Local news operations are busy preparing for an active election season this fall. Station groups say the nature of their political coverage this season will be markedly different, as they heighten their commitment to probing candidates’ claims versus being just an outlet for press conferences and talking points. Plus, there will be increased use of digital and social media. This is the first of a three-part specai report on election coverage. Part 2 on election night coverage will appear tomorrow and part 3 on Thursday will examine the tools stations will deploy to create an edge with their election graphics.