CNN to launch new election data and analysis tool to demystify Decision Desk
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CNN broadcasts on election night on Nov. 6, 2024. Photo: Laurent Caron/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
CNN will debut a new election data and analysis tool called Sightline that gives political junkies access to the expertise behind its Decision Desk.
Why it matters: Sightline aims to pull back the curtain on the real-time metrics and logic that power the network's forecasts.
- "I think there's long been a desire to better explain what it is that's happening within a decision desk operation," CNN's vice president of election and data reporting Jennifer Agiesta said.
- "It seems like this magical wizardry," but "there's math here."
Zoom in: Sightline will be available on CNN's homepage and app beginning Nov. 3. It will also be featured throughout the network's "Election Night in America" broadcast.
- The tool will only include data and analysis across key Senate and gubernatorial contests nationwide — no House races.
- Anyone can view high-level race assessments online for free. CNN digital subscribers can access deeper data analysis and visualizations, including county-level data breakdowns and vote-method splits.
How it works: Sightline assesses races across five metrics: including outstanding votes, geographical voting patterns, voting methods, historical voting patterns and the size of a race lead.
- Those indicators feed into real-time assessment of each race, which can be categorized as "Highly Favors D," "Favors D," "Neutral," "Favors R" and "Highly Favors R," Agiesta said.
Zoom out: The product, which isn't sponsored, is meant to enhance CNN's linear TV coverage while driving audience engagement online that can be funneled into CNN's paid subscription offerings.
The big picture: News and prediction market companies are expanding election offerings to hyper-serve political fanatics seeking detailed data and analysis.
- CBS News is launching a new election night streaming show called "The Nerd Show" that gives political junkies the opportunity to watch its decision desk analyze races and make calls in real time.
- NBC News is launching a cross-platform franchise centered on Steve Kornacki's signature data-driven analysis.
Disclosure: Sara Fischer is a paid contributor for CNN.
