• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, April 23, 2024

Are you ready for possible wall-to-wall Trump criminal trial coverage -- at least on some networks? It depends.

No cameras in the courtroom will make it difficult for TV-centric news viewers to find drama, and non-stop interest. Or maybe comedy.

Some TV networks like MSNBC are trying to promote major coverage including big “Trump On Trial” onscreen frames around TV commercial breaks with “Live Coverage” messaging to get the point across. CNN is doing similar stuff.

Electronic program guides on MSNBC also promote “Trump on Trial: New York v. Donald Trump.” On CNN, there's “Trump Hush Money Trial.”

In a recent reference to other major celebrities -- especially the one featuring O.J. Simpson some three decades ago -- don't expect wall-to-wall coverage of virtually all TV networks. Far from it.

During Simpson's trial, there were cameras in the courtroom. Back then, 150 million viewers were watching a TV screen somewhere -- at home, in the office, in a restaurant -- to hear a non-guilty verdict of Simpson or in another location on Thursday, October 3, 1995, at 1 p.m. ET.

What type of audience should be expected over the next six weeks with Trump -- including the day of a possible verdict? It will be far lower.

That said, the ex-President would surely be a better TV personality for the screen than Simpson. The ex-NFL star could be found sitting quietly most times. 

The ex-President is expected to be squirming -- and perhaps mouthing words that no one can hear. However, should he actually testify, that would reveal a big TV moment.

The next issue comes down to those moments of major testimony from key witnesses during the day, and what type of news breaks TV networks would look to air.

After that, major TV analysis might wonder how advertisers will look to capitalize on some news around those personalities, including major trial and/or judge decisions.

As he has done with recent criminal pre-trial and other court appearances, look for the ex-President to attempt to make political hay after the day's trial proceedings -- with some social media missives, which will not usurp “gag” orders in place.

That said, if those messages go over the line, expect some major consequences from the judge -- including penalties that could be eye-opening.

Did you ponder the seemingly farfetched idea of jail time? Well, that would spike some interest, wouldn't it?