‘This Is False’: CNN Shoots Down Viral Claim On X That Debate Will Air With a Delay

Zachary LeemanJun 27th, 2024, 3:50 pm
 

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CNN shut down a claim spreading on X that the debate between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump will air with a one to two-minute delay.

A number of pro-Trump accounts on social media began reporting on Thursday that CNN was putting in the minute-long delay rather than the standard seven seconds for television broadcasts. Leading Report’s Patrick Webb was one of those reporting on the delay, leading CNN’s communications department to respond.

“BREAKING: CNN will implement a 1-2 minute delay for tonight’s presidential debate instead of the standard 7-second delay, potentially allowing time to edit parts of the broadcast,” Webb wrote.

“This is false. The debate will begin live at 9pm ET,” the network responded.

Webb wasn’t convinced with the network calling the report “false,” arguing the event could still be considered “live” with the delay he claimed was in place.

“Watch out — it’s wild out here today — lots of people are falling for misinfo about the prez debate production. To address one of the B.S. claims, no, CNN is not putting the live feed on a 1/2 minute tape delay to somehow protect the elderly candidates,” wrote ex-CNN host Brian Stelter as the viral disinformation was spreading.

Thursday’s debate will run for approximately 90 minutes. It is being moderated by Dana Bash and Jake Tapper. The candidates did agree to some rules, including not having an audience in the studio and microphones being cut when another candidate is speaking.

“Watch out — it’s wild out here today — lots of people are falling for misinfo about the prez debate production. To address one of the B.S. claims, no, CNN is not putting the live feed on a 1/2 minute tape delay to somehow protect the elderly candidates,” wrote ex-CNN host Brian Stelter as the viral disinformation was spreading.

Below are some of the accounts spreading the debunked claim:

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Zachary Leeman

Zachary Leeman covered pop culture and politics at outlets such as Breitbart, LifeZette, BizPac Review, HollywoodinToto, and others. He is the author of the novel Nigh. He joined Mediaite in 2022.