US Presidential Election: Why Media Announces Results?

US Presidential Election: Why Do the News Media Call the Election Results?

The news media plays a crucial role in announcing U.S. election results because the official process, managed by state and local governments, can take days or weeks.

On election night, when polls close, you’re likely waiting for The Associated Press (AP) or major television networks to announce the next president. But why do the news media take on this role? Shouldn’t it be the government’s job?

State and local governments run and administer U.S. elections, including the presidential race. They are responsible for counting votes and maintaining the official record of who won. However, the official process— from the close of polls to final certification — can take several days to over a month. In the presidential race, the formal process isn’t complete until early January. In the meantime, no federal agency or election commission provides updates on what’s happening with the votes.

“That’s a gap in the Constitution that AP stepped in to fill just two years after our company was founded,” said David Scott, AP’s vice president overseeing election operations. “It was essential then, and it is today, that Americans have an independent, non-partisan source for the full election picture — especially the vital news of who won.”