Tonight’s election returns will be a tech spectacle
Nov 5, 2024
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Election Night is a tech battle, with networks racing to impress viewers through innovative tools. Discussions dive into CNN’s impressive 'Magic Wall' app and the importance of simplicity in journalism. The podcast highlights the dual nature of technology—its ability to spread misinformation while enhancing transparency. There's a focus on adapting to modern consumption habits amid rising platforms like TikTok. Ultimately, the emphasis is on clear communication and the necessity for trust in media coverage during elections.
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Quick takeaways
Innovative technologies like mixed-reality studios and interactive maps are transforming how election nights engage audiences and present results.
Amid rising misinformation, journalists must prioritize clarity and transparency in data presentation to maintain trust and credibility with viewers.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Election Night Technology
Innovative technologies are redefining the landscape of election night coverage, with news outlets employing advanced methods to enhance audience engagement. For the first time, Amazon Prime Video is streaming election results live, showing how competition has expanded within the media space. NBC News and Fox News are utilizing mixed-reality studios and interactive 3D maps, respectively, to provide viewers with immersive experiences. This move towards high-tech presentation reflects a historical trend dating back to 1952, when CBS and NBC introduced computer forecasting, indicating an ongoing evolution of media strategies to capture audience attention.
The Importance of Data Transparency
In an era of declining trust in news media, clarity and transparency in data presentation have become increasingly vital. Media professionals emphasize the need to deliver information in ways that are engaging yet trustworthy, countering misinformation and establishing credibility. Manav Taneru, a senior product director, highlights the objective of providing clear and transparent data to navigate potential voter fraud rumors. The focus on data integrity aims to assure audiences that the presented information holds value, based on accurate and verifiable facts.
Keeping Election Night Simple
The discussion around election night coverage often raises concerns about unnecessary technological embellishments overshadowing genuine information delivery. Vivian Schiller advocates for the principle of 'Keep It Simple, Stupid,' stressing that clarity should be prioritized over flashy presentations. She argues that technology should serve to enhance understanding rather than distract from it, emphasizing the importance of explaining predictions and results transparently. As news organizations adapt to changing viewer preferences, particularly among younger audiences, the challenge lies in ensuring that reliable information remains at the forefront without succumbing to sensationalism.
There will be many races to watch as election results pour in tonight. That includes the competition among news outlets to one-up each other with splashy new technology. After all, it’s an Election Night tradition. POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly chats with CNN senior product director Manav Tanneeru about the network’s “Magic Wall” app, and then Aspen Digital executive director Vivian Schiller explains why journalists should keep it simple.