Trump’s Midterm Convention May Struggle for Ratings Against the NFL Kickoff

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Published: 2026-09-09T21:30:59.545Z • Permanent link

In a move that has left many in the media industry scrambling, Fox News, NewsNation, and C-SPAN have announced that they will be carrying more of the Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas, rather than devoting significant airtime to the event. The decision is seen as a significant blow to the convention, which is expected to struggle for ratings against the highly anticipated NFL Kickoff, which is set to take place simultaneously in the same city. According to sources, the convention's organizers had hoped to secure a larger share of the broadcast schedule, but were ultimately unable to secure deals with major networks.

Details of the convention's broadcast plans are still emerging, but it is clear that the event will be largely relegated to cable and online platforms. The Republican National Committee has confirmed that it will be carrying the convention live on its own website, as well as on social media channels, but it is unclear how extensive the coverage will be. In contrast, Fox News, NewsNation, and C-SPAN have already begun to announce their coverage plans, with all three networks stating that they will be carrying significant portions of the convention.

Republican Party officials have been critical of the networks' decision, with some accusing them of trying to marginalize the convention and its attendees. However, the networks' decision is seen as a pragmatic response to the changing media landscape, in which viewers are increasingly turning to online platforms and social media to consume news and information.

Major cable networks such as Fox News and NewsNation are likely to feel the impact of the convention's reduced broadcast schedule, as well as the subsequent decrease in advertising revenue. According to industry analysts, the convention's broadcast plans are expected to generate significant revenue for the networks, with some estimates suggesting that the event could generate tens of millions of dollars in ad revenue. As a result, the networks' decision to limit their coverage of the convention could have a significant impact on their bottom line.

In addition to the financial implications, the convention's reduced broadcast schedule could also have a broader impact on the media industry as a whole. The convention's organizers had hoped to use the event as a platform to promote their candidates and issues, but the reduced coverage may limit their ability to do so. This could have a significant impact on the media landscape, particularly in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election.

The Republican National Convention is not the first major event to be impacted by the changing media landscape. The 2020 Democratic National Convention, which was also held in a major city, was largely relegated to cable and online platforms, with some networks opting not to broadcast the event live. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with many networks shifting their focus towards online and social media platforms.