Bypass TV with online tools, live streams on Election Day

TVs are so last century. News outlets are using Facebook Live, Snapchat, YouTube and other tools to offer live coverage of Election Day in ways not possible four years ago.
It’s a fitting close to an election season that has played out on Twitter and Facebook as much as it has on the nightly news, with debates live-streamed online and candidates barbing on social media (all times Macau time).
Among other things, Snapchat users will be able to see “live stories” on the app — showing people at the polls, election results, acceptance and concession speeches and election night celebrations. In the U.S., users will see overlays they can add to their snaps.
NowThis, a news outlet aimed at millennials, will have video coverage on its Facebook page. Comedian Jordan Carlos will host the stream, called “No Sleep til POTUS.”
CNN will have live coverage with reporters in battleground states, as well as drone shots of voting locations and international reaction throughout the day. Each hour will be streamed from a different location. After 6 a.m. today, the network will continue Facebook Live streams from various locations, including watch parties and, again, battleground states.
The Washington Post is planning live programming on its Facebook page beginning at 7 a.m. The show will include commentary and updates from Post reporters, including those at campaign headquarters for both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
The New York Times will also stream election coverage on its Facebook page, beginning at 4:30 a.m., from locations such as polling stations, college campuses and election viewing parties.
Other news outlets with live streaming plans include Univision, PBS NewsHour, the Daily Caller, ABC News and Vox.
Twitter is partnering with BuzzFeed News for a live stream from BuzzFeed’s New York headquarters. The stream will begin at 6 a.m. Twitter says segments will include critiques of traditional news outlets and how they are covering the election, as well as live reports from BuzzFeed journalists at various locations throughout the U.S. and elsewhere. Go to election.twitter.com. You don’t need an account.
Yesterday, Twitter also launched “official” election hashtags, which include an emoji icon of a ballot box, next to the hashtag “ElectionDay” and “Election2016.” With at least one scam trying to tell Clinton supporters to vote by text, Twitter reminded users that you cannot vote by text or tweet — but you can send direct messages to the Twitter-owned @gov account to find where your polling place is. AP