Millions of viewers tuned in to special news broadcasts on Monday to watch the total solar eclipse that cast a shadow across North America. National news networks deployed anchors and crews along the path of totality from Mexico to Vermont, capturing the awe-inspiring experience with live cameras. Despite the seamless coverage, there were challenges behind the scenes in organizing such a large-scale event.
The coverage of the eclipse involved a collaboration of experts from across CNN, representing all platforms, including producers, shooters, writers, reporters, editors, anchors, programmers, designers, and more. The goal was to create and optimize content for audiences everywhere. One of the biggest challenges in organizing coverage was to touch on unique narratives within the path of totality, offering viewers special perspectives at various locations along the eclipse route.
Last-minute adjustments were made due to changing forecasts, with plans shifting from Texas to Indianapolis to avoid cloud cover. The field teams had to be nimble and adaptable to make these changes successfully. Planning coverage around the eclipse was compared to planning coverage for severe weather or political events, with the added element of it being a feel-good story that many staff members were enthusiastic to be a part of.
Lessons learned from the 2017 eclipse helped in organizing the 2020 coverage, including the audience’s appetite for visual and visceral stories and CNN’s ability to provide comprehensive resources for such coverage. The network aimed to educate its audience about the science and significance of a total eclipse through various informative and interactive features leading up to the event. Live coverage featured surprising and delightful moments, including CNN personalities in sun and moon getup, interacting with animals, and sharing personal experiences related to the eclipse.
Throughout the live coverage, CNN provided informative and entertaining elements that engaged viewers and highlighted the significance of the eclipse. CNN personalities were seen rocking solar shades during the broadcast, with different individuals bringing their own style and flair to the event. The coverage of the eclipse was a successful collaboration of various teams within CNN that worked together to bring this unique celestial event to viewers across North America. Plans are already being made for the next solar eclipse in 2044.
