The tension rises and the drama builds. The results have been trickling in all night — first it was too early to call, then it was too close to call. But, finally, the networks are ready. The anchor cuts off whoever is speaking and says “we’re ready to make a projection.”
There’s a brief pause as the graphics come on the screen and the music pipes in. It took a long time, but the network is now ready to project a government. Will it be majority or minority, Liberal or Conservative (or something else)?
It’s the most dramatic moment of every election night special. But a lot of work goes into making that call. Just how is it done?
In this episode of The Writ Podcast, I’m joined by Meg Banks, senior producer, CBC News Elections. I’ve worked with her on many elections in the past and I’m really pleased she could join me to explain how the decision desk makes its calls.
(This is an extra episode of the podcast — I’ll be back with another episode tomorrow!)
In addition to listening to this episode of The Writ Podcast in your inbox, at TheWrit.ca or on podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, you can also watch this episode on YouTube.
Great Podcast. Couple of questions.
1) The BC wrong call because of the mail in votes. Has there ever been an analysis of which way mail-in, and early votes tend to go?
2) I know Meg would never answer this, but I'm curious if there's any pressure to delay the call until Saskatchewan, Alberta, B.C. votes start coming in, given how the West always claims the election is over by the time they come online(I can't remember...can everybody see the results ahead of their time zone now?)
Hi Neil, glad you enjoyed the podcast!
1) The mail-ins were pretty heavily NDP in BC and Saskatchewan during the pandemic. In "normal" elections, I'm not sure if the advance voting historically favours one party more than another. I think it depends on the context of the election.
2) It was actually the rule in the past, that the election night broadcast would only be made available in B.C. after the polls had closed. I think with the advent of the internet it became untenable to continue limiting the broadcast and now for holding a call until the polls close in BC and Yukon (they close from Quebec to Alberta at the same time now).
This was an awesome episode! It’s always seemed like such a fun time to be on a TV election special. Something romantic about it.
This was really enjoyable! Friendly, honest, humble, and very informative.