TV news networks to reap ad windfall from US election chaos

With few sporting events and a captive audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a drawn-out, nail-biter of an election could appeal to marketers like the finance, technology, retail, social media and entertainment companies that have bought debate and election night ads.

At least two networks, Fox Corp’s FOXA.O Fox News and Comcast Corp’s CMCSA.O NBC, are expecting or already seeing high demand for the week following the Nov. 3 election night. Fox News is also offering its major sponsors the option to extend their campaigns if election results are not in after that first week.