How the networks kicked off State of the Union 2024 coverage

The major U.S. broadcast, cable and news streamers all served up extended State of the Union coverage March 7, 2024.

NBC News and NBC News Now

NBC News used the same open for coverage on the NBC broadcast network and streamer NBC News Now. MSNBC used a different version, shown below.

Networks tease upcoming SOTU coverage

ABC News and ABC News Live

CBS News

Fox

Telemundo

CNN

MSNBC

Television coverage of the State of the Union address is a pivotal moment in American political discourse, as it provides citizens across the nation with a front-row seat to one of the most significant annual events in the country’s political calendar.

The State of the Union address serves as a platform for the President of the United States to address both houses of Congress, outlining their administration’s accomplishments, policy priorities, and the overall condition of the nation. With the advent of television, this tradition has evolved into a widely anticipated broadcast, allowing millions of viewers to engage directly with the president’s message and gain insights into the current state of the nation.

The visual and auditory impact of television coverage amplifies the significance of this address, transforming it into a shared experience that fosters public awareness, discussion, and reflection on the state of the union. In this introduction, we will explore the historical context, the evolution of television coverage, and the profound impact it has on shaping public opinion and political discourse during this annual address.