MUMBAI: Election days belong to news channels. Right from guessing the outcome to getting audience views to covering the result day, news channels cash in on every opportunity. With 2020’s first election – the Delhi battleground – approaching, channels have lined up insightful content with innovative approaches.
The ABP News Network has assigned one reporter in every constituency of Delhi, to highlight the realities of the ground. The Hindi news channel believes having 70 on-ground reporters for the elections will ensure accurate and real-time updates. On the other hand, both Times Now and Mirror Now will cover the polls with over 20 reporters assigned respectively.
With respect to programming and content line-up, ABP News has scheduled a different bouquet of programmes for weekdays and weekends, under the umbrella of Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri. There are eight shows: Seedha Sawal, Siyasat ka Sensex, Vijay Factors, Delhi Darshan, School Chalen Hum, and Big Interviews with Big Faces.
At the end of the polling day, Times Now in association with IPSOS, a global leader in market research will broadcast the exit poll. Similarly, the English news broadcaster will also bring the result day live with a new-age look for election result analysis, featuring some of the country's top election experts.
Mirror Now will have non-stop coverage on counting day, 11 February, from 6 am onwards. The channel will also air election updates and press conferences (if any) will be interspersed with other news bulletin.
ABP News Network has onboard Sugarlite, Rakesh Masale, Tata Altroz and Signature Pan Masala as official sponsors for the Delhi election shows all day long. “We not only want to grab eyeballs but also create a profound impact on our viewers by incentivising voting, improving civic engagement and bringing a positive impact on the democratic process,” said a channel representative.
The Delhi Legislative Assembly election, scheduled on 8 February, is hotly contested between two key political parties –the Bharatiya Janata Party which holds the centre and the Aam Aadmi Party, which is the incumbent in the national capital.
