ABC and NBC chose not to broadcast President Donald Trump’s 9pm address live on their main networks, instead making it available on streaming services and covering it in later news programming. The decision drew criticism from Trump during the speech, but reflects broadcasters’ editorial judgement over an address expected to concern “election integrity” and potentially repeat disputed claims about elections.

CBS planned a 9pm special report, while CNN said it would provide analysis and host a live feed online; Fox News had not commented when the article was published. Sinclair-owned ABC and NBC affiliates did carry the speech live, and Trump suggested the networks’ broadcast licences should be revoked. The article notes that networks have previously declined to air presidential speeches when their news value or context was uncertain, although they carried Trump’s earlier address on the Iran war live.