In television terms, it would be an opportunity for any network to look good by hosting the first presidential debate after CNBC’s widely ridiculed effort last month.
Fox Business Network hosts tonight’s debate, and it’s a “time to shine.” Politico reports Fox News political director Cherie Grzech has “won plaudits [from the campaigns] for making herself accessible, handing out her email and cell phone and making it clear that she’s the point person … The network will be using a buzzer when the debaters reach the end of their answer time, forgoing the [CNBC] flashing light … which candidates blew right through.”
The network has invested heavily in tonight’s debate coverage, knowing this will likely be the most important night in the network’s eight year history.
Fox News Channel will have live post-debate coverage, beginning with a special edition of The O’Reilly Factor live at 11 p.m. ET, followed by The Kelly File at 12 a.m. ET and Hannity at 1 a.m. ET. FNC will also have coverage on the network’s digital platforms, co-hosted by Harris Faulkner, Melissa Francis, Charles Payne, Meghan McCain and Jesse Watters.