NCS’s 2026 election coverage roundup

Coverage of the 2026 midterm elections saw a series of trends, including plenty of ribbon-like elements, reduced use of mixed reality used in conjunction with live camera feeds in favor of fully virtual environments and a continuing focus on light and clean backgrounds for data-driven graphics. 

Instead of the flurry of mixed reality that used augmented reality elements with live camera feeds of talent, studios and exterior structures, networks opted to focus more on using fully virtual environments with quasi-realistic looks that could, in turn, be augmented with real-time graphics appearing on top. 

Most networks also continued to use lighter backgrounds for both fullscreen and on-set graphics. 

Over the next few days, NCS will be taking a look at how major U.S. networks covered the 2026 midterms Nov. 3, 2026. We’ll be focused on key changes that broadcasters made in their approach to election coverage as well as overall trends. 

Roundups will be posted — in no particular order — over the next week or so.

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CBS News

CBS introduces fourth new elections graphics package for 2026 election coverage