A look at the 2016 Republican National Convention through a media lens:
It’s a far different experience watching an hour of coverage on the ABC, CBS or NBC broadcast networks or the almost unlimited amount of time on the cable networks or PBS.
Melania Trump’s speech about her husband was the centerpiece of the 10 p.m. hour when the broadcasters were on the air, and it consumed much of their attention. Donald Trump made a brief appearance to introduce her, striding onstage to the tune of Queen’s “We Are the Champions.” ABC teased his appearance as if it was a reality show.
Pundits gave Melania Trump high marks. “She proved to skeptics she could be an asset in this campaign,” said CBS’ Charlie Rose. She accomplished what she set out to do, said ABC’s David Muir.
Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was speaking as the broadcasters began their coverage, and they treated his appearance almost as an inconvenience. The networks’ own people needed airtime, and there were other things to talk about: NBC showed tape of Matt Lauer boarding Trump’s plane to interview the prospective first couple.