Trump's primetime speech won't air on ABC or NBC
Major US television networks ABC and NBC have opted not to broadcast President Trump's upcoming primetime speech on their main channels, choosing instead to stream it on their digital platforms. Other networks like CNN and CBS plan to provide coverage as a news event.
Why it matters
Reflects the evolving relationship between traditional media networks and political figures regarding the broadcast of live addresses.
Hear this story President Donald Trump 's highly anticipated primetime address to the nation on Thursday, July 16, will not be airing on all the major networks.
The White House did not elaborate on why the president would be addressing the nation at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Thursday, though Trump said from the Oval Office on July 14 that he would discuss the contentious issue of "free and fair elections." (USA TODAY will be streaming the speech on YouTube and providing live updates and analysis here. )
ABC and NBC have since confirmed they will air his speech on their respective streaming platforms, rather than broadcast it live on their networks.
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