From Adweek · Mark Mwachiro · · 1m 10s
Election Night Coverage Insights
CNN, NBC News and NewsNation executives share what worked during historic midterm election night coverage.
In brief
CNN, NBC News and NewsNation executives share what worked during historic midterm election night coverage. NBC News' Marc Greenstein and CNN's Abigail Crutchfield highlight their election night coverage strategies for the Democratic Party's Senate and House wins. Originally reported by Adweek.
Election Night Coverage Overview
![Image of CNN Election Center on Tuesday night. [Left to right: CNN Anchors Jake Tapper, Dana Bash and Kaitlan Collins]](https://static-www.adweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/2000557_0065-e1793995551946.jpg?w=1240)
News outlets shifted from special election coverage to regular programming after historic midterm election results.
NBC News' Coverage Strategy
NBC News' Marc Greenstein highlighted Steve Kornacki's role in breaking down votes and providing context for viewers.
“Steve Kornacki continues to be the best at breaking down the vote, providing context and helping viewers understand not just what is happening, but where the night is headed.”
CNN's Technical Approach
CNN combined editorial and technology to produce two distinct broadcasts from the same studio without losing editorial connection.
“We combined editorial and technology in a new way, allowing Steve to contribute to the linear broadcast while simultaneously hosting his own dedicated streaming feed from the same studio as Savannah Guthrie and Tom Llamas.”
NewsNation's Advantage
NewsNation's Chris Stirewalt credited Decision Desk HQ for being the first to call both Senate and House control for Democrats.
“We had such an advantage by having Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) on our side.”
Surprise Election Outcomes
NBC News' Marc Greenstein noted the quick Senate control call surprised many despite extensive planning for multiple scenarios.
“The biggest surprise was how quickly we were able to call control of the Senate.”
Team Energy and Focus
CNN's Abigail Crutchfield described team energy and the magic wall as key to staying alert during election night coverage.
“It was having all of our experts and talent together in one place. It gave the DC bureau great energy, and it was fun to watch the reporters and anchors work together to unpack the results.”
Staying Alert Strategies
Executives shared coffee, hot tea, and team energy as methods to stay alert during the long election night coverage.
“A lot of hot tea, a phenomenal team, and a big bag of gummy bears.”
What it means
NBC News' Marc Greenstein and CNN's Abigail Crutchfield highlight their election night coverage strategies for the Democratic Party's Senate and House wins.
