Trump impeachment: Networks poised for the airwaves with relentless reporting

So far, all is peaceful in the Manhattan courthouse and in front of Trump Tower, but the extensive coverage of former President Donald Trump’s trip from Florida to New York on Monday is just a taste of what’s to come today.

Broadcasters plan to break into regular programs during the day to capture moments of Trump’s impeachment, while cable news outlets fill in talking heads to fill in spots where footage is missing.

And there may be a few: The actual hearing, which will begin around 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM. PT starts, will have limited camera access. New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan ruled Monday that he will not allow television cameras to broadcast the proceedings, although he will allow five poolside photographers to take pictures for a few minutes before the proceedings begin. He allows cameras in the corridor outside the courtroom – although it is unclear whether Trump would be able to go from one outlet to another and repeat.

Given the unusual nature of the case, the media objected to the judge’s ruling. Mercan also does not allow electronic devices in the courtroom.

“We are calling on the judge to allow television and still cameras and to allow reporters to broadcast information from the trial in real time during Tuesday’s hearing and upcoming hearings,” Sally said. Buzbee, editor-in-chief of the Washington Post, said in a statement. “It makes no sense to restrict access in this way.”

However, if the indictment is released shortly before the trial begins, the network’s reporters and pundits will have a lot to analyze after days of speculation about the charges against Trump. Yahoo’s Michael Isikoff reported that Trump will face 34 counts of falsifying company records.

Trump is expected to arrive around 11am ET / 2pm PT for booking and processing – we still don’t know if a mug shot will be taken and released – and may make a statement outside the courthouse afterwards. District Attorney Alvin Bragg schedules a press conference at 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM. PT.

While Trump is going down in the annals of history, he’s also enjoying the attention by regularly launching social-truth attacks on Bragg, posting footage of his trek to New York and raising money for the entire spectacle.

One possibility that has been raised is that Trump could face an oral order limiting his comments on the matter. Trump attacked not only Bragg and his wife, but also the judge himself. That’s what one of Trump’s lawyers, Joe Tacopina, told me. Good morning America this morning that they had “no indication” that this was going to happen.

Trump plans to return to Florida tonight for a speech around 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM. PT. Fox News is planning coverage, but some other networks are still holding back, as they have so far on some of the former president’s 2024 rallies, but cable channels are planning more specials. MSNBC schedules a special on the indictment at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM. PT, including Rachel Maddow and most of its regular hosts. CNN, meanwhile, debuted the first part of its new daily format, CNN Newsroomstanding, not sitting, in the anchor, in front of large screens that convey a similar sense of urgency given to election night.

Finally, there’s a phrase you’re likely to hear over and over these days: Unprecedented.