Updated
Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jul 3
ABC News Plans 24-Hour July 4 Broadcast With 60 Live Remotes for America's 250th
Updated
Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jul 3

ABC News Plans 24-Hour July 4 Broadcast With 60 Live Remotes for America's 250th

3 articles · Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jul 3

Summary

  • ABC News will launch a 24-hour July 4 broadcast at 10 p.m. on July 3 from the Statue of Liberty and run through 11 p.m. on July 4, calling it its longest commercial broadcast.
  • 60-plus live remotes and segments from all 50 states will drive the marathon, with nearly every ABC News anchor and correspondent contributing across overnight, morning and afternoon coverage.
  • David Muir’s Liberty Island tour and Brandi Carlile’s “America the Beautiful” performance anchor the opening, alongside a French-backed light show and military flyover tied to the 250th anniversary.
  • Disney is widening the event with Nat Geo features, special editions of ABC news programs, an ESPN simulcast of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, and theme-park celebrations that feed into the TV coverage.
  • Ryan Seacrest will close the special from Nashville with fireworks and performances by artists including Reba McEntire, Nick Jonas and Tim McGraw, as ABC tries to stand out in a crowded holiday TV lineup.

Insights

How will this record-breaking broadcast reshape the future of live television and advertising?
What is the biggest risk in attempting the longest live broadcast in history across 50 states?
Can a 24-hour TV event truly capture 250 years of a nation's complex and diverse history?