Milwaukee, WI will become the center of America’s political universe from July 15-18 as the 2024 Republican National Convention moves into town. Naturally, all of the major news networks are Brew City-bound to provide around-the-clock coverage as former President Donald Trump prepares to accept the GOP nomination for the third time. TVNewser assembled the following questionnaire to see how the different outlets are preparing to cover the event, as well as what goes on behind the scenes.
Doug Rohrbeck, senior vice president of Washington news and politics
1. What are some of the narratives you’re expecting to see heading into the Republican National Convention?
I anticipate a diverse range of narratives: The buzz around the vice-presidential selection, the impact of the first presidential debate on polling, the repercussions of former President Trump’s sentencing, pressing issues voters are concerned about, demonstrations and protests, delegate dynamics, the significance of speaking roles and their underlying messages, and how the Joe Biden campaign will respond.
2. What’s the story you’re most excited to tell?
Former President Trump says he will announce his running mate at the convention. It’s a significant development with far-reaching political implications.
3. Production-wise, what goes into preparing for a convention that viewers might not know about?
Behind-the-scenes production preparations for a convention involve extensive planning and coordination, such as securing optimal locations, configuring cameras, designing impactful graphics, meticulous scheduling, comprehensive security, orchestrating transportation and managing catering services.
4. As the EP what will your typical day at the convention look like?
A typical day at the convention will be dynamic and fast-paced, beginning with early editorial discussions, along with debriefs centered around the day’s themes and events. I’ll engage in strategy meetings with anchors and reporters to align on the day’s assignments and goals, oversee control room rehearsals and manage the countless spontaneous tasks that pop up during a live event.
5. Coverage of the 2020 RNC was heavily impacted by the pandemic. Nevertheless, are there lessons you learned from that convention that you’ll be able to apply to this one?
Expect the unexpected and be flexible. Events can be local and/or remote and so can our teams.
6. What new formats/coverage types will you be experimenting with?
Providing a more tailored experience for our viewers through the many Fox News Media platforms. There will be FNC’s coverage with Bret Baier, Martha MacCallum and our all-star team offering analysis in and out the speeches; Fox Nation with its running commentary throughout; and Fox Business with an uninterrupted raw pool feed.
7. Do you plan to fact-check any of Donald Trump’s speeches in real time? How do you expect his various court cases to be addressed by your network, as well as GOP leaders and delegates?
Fact-checking is done judiciously to maintain our focus on the news rather than the process of fact-checking itself. We believe in covering events as they unfold and will utilize our expert legal and political analysts to provide additional context surrounding all issues on the docket.
(Courtesy Fox News)
8. Do you expect 2024’s ratings to be higher or lower than 2020? What factors contributed to your answer?
My expectation is that Fox News will continue to deliver exceptional special coverage that is both informative and engaging. Our esteemed lineup of anchors, hosts, and commentators is set to guide viewers through every moment of the convention with unparalleled expertise and vibrant commentary.
9. The viewing public has seemed disengaged from election news so far. Will the RNC move the needle?
Current polling may show a certain detachment from election coverage, but Fox News viewers have been actively following the campaign developments. History suggests that national conventions typically bolster public interest, and we expect to see an uptick in viewer engagement following the RNC.
10. What are you personally looking forward to doing while you’re in Milwaukee
Eating cheese curds.
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