Chicago media goes big for DNC viewers
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Chicago television stations are lining up special guests, talent and livestreaming options to get your coveted eyeballs during the Democratic National Convention.
The big picture: National networks and cable television news are swarming the convention and crowding the airwaves, with an estimated 15,000 media professionals expected to attend.
Driving the news: CBS 2 struck first, announcing former Mayor Lori Lightfoot will be providing analysis during this week's newscasts.
- Not to be outdone, NBC 5 just announced that former award-winning anchor Carol Marin will return to the station next week for special 6pm newscasts, paired up with Mary Ann Ahern for analysis of the convention.
- Both stations plan to broadcast the primetime speeches from the United Center.
What they're saying: "This convention is more than just politics for those of us who call Chicago home," Sally Ramirez, senior vice president of news at NBC Chicago/Telemundo Chicago, said in a statement.
- "We'll help our viewers navigate through the convention's day-to-day impact."
The intrigue: Several radio and television stations are leaning on their respective networks to cover the bulk of the DNC programming, deploying local reporters to cover stories but electing to skip special programming.
Reality check: It's not just local TV and radio, podcasts are also going into DNC overload. David Axelrod will record the "Axe & Amy" podcast at Manny's Deli today and Wednesday.
- City Cast Chicago will record episodes from McCormick Place.
Meanwhile, the DNC is boasting record-breaking attendance from youth journalists, while they also plan to stream the speeches vertically, designed for social media journalists and influencers on TikTok and Instagram.