Channel 4 Announces International Lineup for First Overnight US Election Coverage in 32 Years
Channel 4 today announced groundbreaking coverage of the 2024 United States presidential election, delivering a stellar international selection of presenters, guests and expert analysis for America Decides: US Election Results (w/t), produced by ITN Productions.
Airing from 10:15pm on Tuesday 5th November in partnership with CNN, the eight-hour live programme is fronted by Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy, alongside the co presenter of Global’s daily podcast The News Agents Emily Maitlis, both presenting from Washington DC.
The duo will be reprising their roles from Channel 4’s critically acclaimed coverage of the 2024 UK general election, also produced by ITN Productions, which saw the broadcaster’s audience double in comparison to 2019.
The presenting team for America Decides will be joined by BBC and Channel 5 host Jeremy Vine in London, marking his Channel 4 election debut to front a ‘data hub’ providing infographics and the story behind the stats as all-important battleground state results are declared.
Channel 4 News presenter Matt Frei will play a key role in the overnight programme as well as leading coverage on Channel 4 News throughout the election period. He’ll be joined by a team of correspondents on the night, all reporting on the ground from the swing states which will be key in determining who becomes President. As a former Washington DC Correspondent and presenter of Channel 4 documentaries Trump vs Harris: The Battle for America and Trump: Should We Be Scared?, Frei serves as the BAFTA, RTS and International Emmy-winning News team’s authoritative voice on the USA, having already hosted coverage of the first Presidential debate in September 2024.
The programme will feature a range of exclusive guests offering compelling conversation from across the American political divide. This includes Stormy Daniels, the adult film actress at the centre of Donald Trump’s ‘hush-money’ trial following an affair between the two, and Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer who paid Daniels to stay quiet about the affair.
They will be joined in the Washington DC studio by former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson and former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Other guests will include media personality and Republican supporter Caitlyn Jenner, acclaimed pollster Frank Lutz, James Carville, Bill Clinton’s lead strategist responsible for coining the term “it’s the economy, stupid!” and actor Brian Cox, star of Succession. A range of Democrat and Republican politicians will also join throughout the night to offer their insights.
Channel 4’s first-ever partnership with CNN will enable the sharing of guests, reporters, graphics and data across the night. This will tap into CNN’s expert analysis and cutting-edge use of data, including being able to simulcast updates from CNN’s award-winning anchor and chief national correspondent John King, famous for his “Magic Wall”.
The programme will be made by ITN Productions, and will also be available to stream in full on Channel 4’s YouTube and TikTok pages and streaming platform.
Louisa Compton, Channel 4’s Head of News and Current Affairs and Specialist Factual and Sport says: “After our successful coverage of the UK election we’re delighted to be bringing Channel 4 viewers what will surely be the best and most comprehensive coverage of the American election results– the consequences of which will be watched keenly around the world.
America Decides will capture all the drama of the night, whilst also providing the best analysis and commentary with our impressive talent line-up, unique range of guests and partnership with CNN.”
Ian Rumsey, managing director of content at ITN said, “We're delighted to follow up the UK election show with another programme full of drama. Our presenting line-up and exclusive guests will bring the sharpest analysis and most compelling conversation as we guide viewers through the night.”
Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Channel 4 News said, “With so much of the world at war and facing economic crisis, this is the most important US election of our lifetimes and it is vital we analyse what the results mean the way we can on Channel 4 with a brilliant line up of people on both sides of the Atlantic. I hope it can be the most lively, intelligent and insightful conversation on TV that night and I can’t wait.”
Emily Maitlis, co-presenter of Global’s daily podcast The News Agents said, “Whatever happens on November 5th the story will be massive - I couldn’t be more delighted to rejoin Krishnan and the Channel 4 team to tell the story that will grip the world. A fantastic guest line up and a rigorous results partner means we will give our audiences depth, breadth and a great watch.”
Jeremy Vine said, "A massive night for America and the world, and Channel 4 will undoubtedly be appointment to view. I'm working on the graphics already and I can't wait for lift-off."
Matt Frei, Channel 4 News said, “As someone who has spent almost three decades covering America I’m delighted to take part in Channel 4’s comprehensive coverage of a vote that is both nail-bitingly close and unnervingly consequential. We may not be able to vote. But we can watch - on the sofa or behind the sofa- as America decides in an election that could change it and the world.”
