# What To Watch For As Networks Cover Midterm Election Night: More Data, More Coverage & More Competition

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/what-to-watch-for-as-networks-cover-midterm-election-night-more-data-more-coverage-more-competition/
- Published: 2026-10-31T14:00:04+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T15:26:36+00:00
- Original publisher: Deadline
- Original article: https://deadline.com/2026/10/midterms-news-networks-coverage-2026-1237207099/
- Topics: Elections, Politics, Trending, Weird & Viral

## Key points

- Networks are planning more midterm coverage and data analysis.
- NBC has scheduled a record 13 hours on its broadcast network.
- Broadcasters are competing with online creators for viewers.

## Summary

US television networks are preparing extensive coverage of next week’s midterm elections, with more airtime and data-focused programming than in recent cycles. The contest for viewers is also intensifying as podcasters, online creators and pundits offer competing coverage, while the results could shape control of Congress and many governorships and serve as a test of Donald Trump’s standing.

NBC plans a record 13 hours of broadcast coverage, from 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday until 6 a.m. the following morning. For the first time since 2016, major networks will use the same exit poll data, known as The Voter Poll, from SSRS. Networks are also expanding streaming and digital offerings: Fox News plans an AI chatbot, NBC will stream Steve Kornacki’s results coverage, MS NOW will feature Ali Velshi on YouTube, and CBS will run a data-focused programme called The Nerd Show.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.