TV networks non-committal to GOP midterm convention as NFL serves up big competition
DALLAS — President Trump’s unprecedented midterm GOP convention might be tough to find on TV — facing stiff primetime competition from the NFL’s opening game and uncertain airtime from major networks.Republicans will gather in Dallas on Wednesday and Thursday for two packed days of fundraising, workshops, face time with Trump and a full slate of speeches — including one by Trump each night.
But Wednesday and Thursday also conflict with a major American pastime: football.The season kicks off with a game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, airing on NBC and its streaming platform.
On Thursday night, the San Francisco 49ers face off against the Los Angeles Rams in a game streamed on Netflix.Many major TV networks have remained vague about their convention coveragae plans.
But C-SPAN will air wall-to-wall coverage on TV and its website and Fox News will have a large presence, committing to live programming from the convention site with its shows airing from Dallas.ABC, NBC, CBS, and MSNow did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.NBC pays more than $2 billion annually for football rights and is committed to airing Wednesday’s game.Despite the potential viewership challenges, RNC officials are confident the convention will attract a big audience.
“There is no bigger headliner than President Donald J.Trump – he is ratings gold,” Danielle Alvarez, a senior advisor at the Republican National Committee, said in a statement.“This historic midterm convention will make the choice between common-sense conservatism and liberal extremism clear.
Voters will be tuning in.”“President Trump is one of the greatest showmen in history, and we fully expect to have a spectacular showing in Dallas draw a massive viewership,” RNC spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre told The Post.Most of Fox News’ anchors and top correspondents will be in Texas for the convention.Sean Hannity’s show will air for two hours in prime time each e...