Ross Dagan, Network Director Of News Content, took the time to talk us through the manic Election Day scramble, and the warmly received hot dog cart that gave our 10 News team the energy to produce 8 hours of rolling coverage.
Let’s begin with the stats, as we look back on a US Election that will go down in history. How many reporters were involved with our coverage?
We had 10 News First reporters in three key locations: Hugh Riminton in Washington DC, where Donald Trump was watching the night unfold, Eammon Ashton-Atkinson was at Joe Biden’s HQ in Wilmington, Delaware and Kathrine Firkin was in Times Square New York for voters’ reaction. Sandra Sully, Narelda Jacobs, Peter van Onselen and Lachlan Kennedy were in Sydney leading our coverage, supported by a team of experts. As well as our people, dozens of CBS News reporters were stationed around the United States.
How many hours in total were 10 News on air?
We produced rolling coverage for 8 hours.
How many days did you initially predict the election would unfold across before we received a result?
All the polling advice suggested we might have some clarity by 300pm Australian time, but clearly that wasn’t right. The insights from our Network Political Editor, Peter van Onselen, did point to a Biden win.
Given our connection to CBS, what opportunities and access were 10 News afforded in relation to the US Election?
We have a very close relationship with CBS News and were fully across their editorial plans, graphics packages and coverage strategy. This helped us weave easily between our coverage and theirs to produce a polished and professional program.
Were you thrown any unprecedented curveballs during the coverage?
There were no curveballs we didn’t catch, but President Trump’s delayed address that night did force some tapdancing to ensure we took it live in all markets while simultaneously ensuring each state’s news bulletin got to air as it should.
How did 10 News keep up their stamina on Election Day?
The energy in the newsroom on a big day like that is always special. But on this election day there wasn’t just a buzz in the air, there were special smells as well, thanks to a hotdog cart that helped cater food for the day. It was a nice touch of America on a day all attention was state-side.
