Trump speech snubbed: NBC, ABC won't air live on broadcast TV

President Trump's scheduled prime-time address on Thursday evening will not receive live broadcast coverage from at least two of the four major television networks, with NBC and ABC opting to stream the speech and air special reports afterward. The decision underscores the ongoing dilemma broadcasters face: air potentially false claims about the 2020 election or risk backlash from the White House and a confrontational Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Networks choose streaming over live broadcast

NBC News announced it would provide live coverage of the president's remarks exclusively on NBC News NOW, its streaming platform, and follow up with a special report on the main NBC network. Similarly, ABC said it would carry the speech on ABC News Live, its 24/7 streaming channel, and on ABC News Radio, with comprehensive anchored coverage. ABC added that it is prepared to break into network programming for live updates if significant developments occur. CBS and Fox have yet to announce their plans for the speech, which is expected to center on election security.

Precedent: Biden's 2022 speech also declined

Broadcasters have long exercised editorial judgment about whether to air presidential addresses, including speeches by Democratic presidents. In 2022, ABC, CBS, and NBC all declined to run a prime-time speech by President Joe Biden about threats to democracy, which sharply criticized Trump and those who denied the 2020 election results. Critics at the time argued the address was partisan and designed to boost Democrats ahead of the midterms, rather than an urgent national update. The current situation mirrors that caution, as networks weigh the risks of amplifying unverified election claims.

Trump promises 'really big news' on election security

Trump has signaled that his 9pm ET speech will contain "really big news" and focus on "free and fair elections." The president has repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that the 2020 election was stolen, a narrative that continues to divide the nation. By choosing not to broadcast the speech live, NBC and ABC are attempting to avoid providing a platform for potential misinformation while still covering the event through streaming and subsequent reporting.

Implications for media and democracy

The networks' decisions reflect a broader trend in journalism: the need to balance newsworthiness with responsibility. By streaming the speech rather than broadcasting it, they provide access without the same level of endorsement that a live broadcast could imply. This approach allows them to fact-check and contextualize the president's statements in real time. As the 2024 election approaches, such editorial choices are likely to become more common, highlighting the evolving relationship between the White House and the media. The FCC's stance under Trump adds another layer of pressure, but networks appear willing to risk confrontation to maintain editorial integrity.