As 2024 elections near, US media grapples with how to cover Trump

It claims to be the most trusted name in news. But on Wednesday it will devote an hour of prime time to a serial liar who sought to overthrow American democracy.

For millions of voters not yet paying attention to the 2024 election, the show is likely to be a wake-up call: Trump is back and the current favourite for the Republican party nomination, despite two impeachments and one criminal indictment.

Confronted with a choice between screening Republican candidates such as Jeb Bush and John Kasich, or Trump rallies with their inherent sense of anything-could-happen danger, TV producers went for thrills and eyeballs. They were criticised for training cameras on an empty podium as they waited for the businessman and reality TV star to speak.

Although Trump has been interviewed by Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson in recent weeks on Fox News, holding first town hall-style event of the 2024 campaign on CNN could be an attempt to draw a contrast with Florida governor Ron DeSantis, his chief rival for the Republican nomination, who has eschewed the mainstream media in favour of rightwing echo chambers.