NewsNation is Latest to Pitch for Harris-Trump  Presidential Debate

As a seasoned movie-goer with over three decades of experience under my belt, I have seen more than my fair share of news outlets trying to grab a piece of the limelight. But let me tell you, the NewsNation’s latest move is akin to a small-town theater hosting the world premiere of the next Marvel blockbuster. It’s ambitious, to say the least!


NewsNation is joining the expanding group of television news networks aspiring to broadcast a debate featuring former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris.

As a movie critic penning my thoughts on the unfolding political drama, I received letters this Sunday from various campaigns’ staff, which were graciously shared by EbMaster for review. In these missives, Sean Compton, the executive in charge of NewsNation under parent company Nexstar Media Group, subtly extended an invitation to both parties.

“Compton proposed a suggestion for a balanced debate between both candidates, one that would also please the American audience. This debate would take place on NewsNation, with The Hill as a co-sponsor (both being media outlets owned by Nexstar). He mentioned that we could adapt the timing, format, and location of the debate to suit everyone’s convenience, although he suggested it should ideally be held in a swing state like Pennsylvania.”

Nexstar was unable to make executives available for immediate comment.

The focus of NewsNation’s broadcast is on the increasing curiosity among news organizations aiming to cover a piece of the 2024 presidential election prelude. This interest is partly fueled by both Democratic and Republican parties potentially bypassing the traditional debate framework managed by the Commission on Presidential Debates, and partly ignited by the high demand for unique live events capable of drawing substantial viewership in today’s television landscape where a growing number of viewers prefer one-on-one streaming sessions offered by platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and other broadband providers.

Among TV news channels, NewsNation typically has one of the lower viewership numbers. Notably, the highly-publicized debate between former President Trump and President Joe Biden in June, which was aired on multiple networks, garnered a total of 51.27 million viewers. Of these, CNN, who moderated the event and allowed others to broadcast it, drew in 9.53 million viewers. Fox News and ABC News managed to attract 9.28 million and 9.21 million viewers respectively. NewsNation also gained a share of the viewership, with approximately 3.45 million viewers tuning in via Scripps News, Univision, BET, Newsmax, and PBS.

NewsNation continues to make a mark in the competitive news landscape, debuting as recently as 2021. Owner Nexstar aims to offer a non-partisan alternative to established networks. To achieve this, they have recruited experienced anchors and producers from various backgrounds, including Fox News Channel, ABC News, and other outlets. Additionally, they leverage the newsrooms affiliated with Nexstar’s extensive network of local stations.

“Indeed, I’m proud to be associated with NewsNation, a fresh face in the American media landscape,” I’d say. “It earned my admiration when it hosted the third and final Republican primary debate in December, an event that garnered praise. The debate was expertly moderated by Elizabeth Vargas, Megyn Kelly of independent broadcasting, and Eliana Johnson from the Washington Free Beacon. Despite being a newcomer, it managed to attract a decent audience of 1.6 million viewers.”

Previously, Harris suggested joining ABC News on September 10, the original date for a debate between Trump and Biden. Now, Fox News is advocating for a debate scheduled for September 17 in Pennsylvania, with Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum as moderators.

As a long-time observer of politics and media, I have come to appreciate the value of nonpartisan journalism. In my years of following current events, I’ve noticed that many news outlets seem to favor one party or the other, which can make it difficult to get an objective perspective on important issues. That’s why I believe that NewsNation and The Hill are exceptional platforms for informed discussions about the critical challenges facing our country as we approach the election. Having a nonpartisan approach allows these outlets to present a balanced view of the issues, which is essential for making informed decisions as voters. As someone who values fairness and objectivity in journalism, I am grateful for the work that NewsNation and The Hill do in providing us with a more complete picture of the political landscape.

The executive failed to find potential moderators who could influence the upcoming debate. Among the well-recognized personnel at NewsNation are Vargas, Chris Cuomo, Dan Abrams, Ashleigh Banfield, and Leland Vittert.

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2024-08-05 00:18