CNN’s coverage of the total solar eclipse that occurred across North America was a major event, drawing millions of viewers who tuned in to watch the spectacle. National news networks such as CNN deployed teams of anchors and crews along the path of totality to capture the awe-inspiring experience with live cameras. While the coverage may have looked seamless on screen, there were challenges behind the scenes in organizing and executing the broadcast.
CNN’s celestial coverage involved experts from across the company representing all platforms, including producers, shooters, writers, reporters, editors, anchors, programmers, and more. It was a collaborative effort to create and optimize content for audiences everywhere. One of the biggest challenges was organizing coverage around the eclipse and ensuring that unique narratives within the path of totality were highlighted, offering viewers special perspectives from different locations.
There were last-minute adjustments made due to changing forecasts, with plans shifting from Texas to Indianapolis based on cloud cover forecasts. Despite the challenges, the field teams did a heroic job of being nimble and adapting to the changes. Planning coverage around the eclipse was compared to organizing coverage around severe weather events or political events like debates, with the added element of the feel-good story that engaged staff from all over the network.
Lessons learned from the 2017 eclipse helped shape the coverage for this event, with a focus on the audience’s appetite for visceral and visual stories. CNN aimed to educate its audience about the science and significance of a total eclipse through informative, entertaining, and educational features, as well as interactive products and newsletters. During live coverage, surprising elements such as Brianna Keilar and Boris Sanchez’s sun and moon getup, Ed Lavandera feeding a giraffe, and Kristin Fisher’s interaction with her astronaut parents stood out.
CNN personalities rocked solar shades during the coverage, with Rosa Flores, Brianna Keilar, and Derek Van Dam standing out with their stylish and comfortable eyewear choices. Overall, CNN’s coverage of the total solar eclipse was a successful and engaging event, showcasing the network’s ability to cover major events with a focus on providing unique perspectives and educational content for viewers. Despite the challenges and last-minute adjustments, the coverage captured the excitement and wonder of the celestial event sweeping across North America.
