The upcoming presidential debates between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, organized independently of the Commission on Presidential Debates, are expected to draw lower viewership compared to past general election contests. ABC News and CNN are set to host the debates, with ABC making its event available for simulcast on various U.S. television networks and streaming services. CNN has not confirmed if it will follow suit for its scheduled debate.
The first two debates between Biden and Trump in 2020 were broadcast on multiple networks, attracting 73.1 million and 63 million viewers respectively. The tradition of organizing and broadcasting debates during general election campaigns has typically been overseen by the commission to maximize viewership.
While CNN may be tempted to keep the debate exclusively on its network, concerns about declining cable viewership and potential criticism for not sharing the event have led ABC to ensure broader access. Political polarization in media could also impact viewership if the debates are not widely available.
Despite uncertainties about viewership, experts see positive aspects in the proposed debate format, including holding the debates without a live audience to minimize distractions and potential bias. Implementing rules such as muting a candidate's microphone while the other speaks could improve the quality of discourse and reduce interruptions.
Overall, while concerns persist about viewership levels, there is optimism about the potential for constructive political dialogue in the upcoming debates.
