A CNN spokesperson announced Friday that the June 27 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump will be available for simulcast on other networks.
ABC News, which has scheduled the debate for Sept. 10, said it would provide the feed to other networks.
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The debate between presidential candidates held this week is expected to have a major impact on viewer ratings. However, the ultimate reach of both events remains in question as it could impact total audience numbers.
By opening the debate to its rivals, CNN is giving up exclusivity and perhaps an opportunity to reach a larger audience. But if the entire debate, even one with CNN talent, is made widely available across the network, it could ultimately reach a larger audience.
Since 1988, the Commission on Presidential Debates has hosted general election debates, which have been broadcast on networks, cable stations, and streaming platforms.
But this week, the Biden campaign announced that it has no plans to participate in those events scheduled for the fall. Instead, the campaign proposed holding network-sponsored debates in June and September.
Biden and Donald Trump's campaigns quickly agreed to participate in debates on CNN and ABC News, bucking the tradition of the committee hosting events after Labor Day. Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will moderate the CNN debate. David Muir and Lindsey Davis will host the event on ABC.
CNN will also broadcast the debate on CNN International, CNN en Espanol, CNN Max and CNN.com, without requiring viewers to log in with cable.
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