Networks, Dem Congressman Agree: Mueller Testimony’s Success Hinges on TV Ratings

Networks are bracing for Wednesday’s Capitol Hill testimony — here’s how

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Ahead of Robert Mueller’s testimony Wednesday, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna said, “The success will be in the TV ratings.”

The quote, given to Axios, is reflected through the world of television news as networks gear up to show members of the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees grill the former special counsel on his report on Russian interference in the 2016 election and any potential involvement from now-President Donald Trump’s campaign.

The networks are going in on the testimony in a big way, preempting scheduled shows and bringing in their top anchors.

ABC News is prepping for special coverage where Chief Anchor George Stephanopoulous will anchor live at 8:30 a.m. ET with “World News Tonight” Anchor David Muir reporting from the Capitol.

Fox News, NBC News and CBS News will be starting their live coverage at 8:15 a.m.

On Fox, it will preempt Fox & Friends and be hosted by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum live from Washington. Coverage on NBC News will be led by Lester Holt, Savannah Guthrie and Chuck Todd. Norah O’Donnell will lead CBS News’ coverage.

Over on MSNBC, the live coverage is kicking off on Morning Joe, starting right at 6:00 a.m. with Brian Williams, Nicolle Wallace, and Ari Melber.

A CNN representative didn’t immediately respond to request for comment.

There’s no word yet on whether or not Mueller will reveal anything that hasn’t already been covered in his report. In May, Mueller told reporters it would be unconstitutional to have charged Trump with a crime while still in office — and in the process contradicted his boss at the Justice Department, Attorney General William Barr, who had previously said the president was not above indictment.

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