How to watch the Democratic National Convention for free—and without cable
Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race put a new—and even brighter—spotlight on the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC). Though the candidate is set, as Kamala Harris was selected by delegates last month, there will be more of an emphasis on policy announcements and star power—both from the worlds of Hollywood and politics.
Coverage of the convention will be widespread, but if you’re not a political wonk who wants to watch every hour of the multiday event, here’s what you need to know.
When is the 2024 Democratic National Convention?
The DNC will run from Aug. 19 through Aug. 22.
Which TV channels are airing the 2024 DNC?
Three of the major broadcast networks, along with PBS, are scheduled to carry parts of the convention. Fox, however, will only do so in select markets, as it turns over programming to its local affiliates at 10 p.m. local time. Here’s how things will shake out with the other channels:
CBS: Stations will have live coverage starting at 10:00 p.m. ET all four days.
NBC: Stations will broadcast from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. the first two nights of the convention, and from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. the final two nights.
ABC: Coverage will run from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. the first two nights of the convention, and from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. the final two nights.
PBS: Nightly coverage will run from 8:00 p.m. through 11:00 p.m.
Fox News: Coverage will air during its regular prime-time lineup of shows. A one-hour special will air nightly at 10:00 p.m.
CNN: The network plans live coverage starting at 8:00 p.m. each night.
MSNBC: The network will air coverage from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.
Are any channels airing the entire DNC uninterrupted?
CSPAN is the place for political junkies to catch all the action, with uninterrupted coverage all four days.
Who will be speaking at the 2024 DNC?
Here’s who you can expect…
Monday
President Biden
Dr. Jill Biden
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Tuesday
Former President Barack Obama
Second gentleman Doug Emhoff
Wednesday
Vice presidential nominee Tim Walz
Former President Bill Clinton
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi
Thursday
Vice President and 2024 presidential nominee Kamala Harris
When will Kamala Harris address the 2024 Democratic National Convention?
Harris will formally accept the party’s nomination on Thursday.
Can I stream the Democratic National Convention live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
You can. The DNC will livestream the convention on a number of platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter/X. Prefer another option? You’ve got a panoply of choices.
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $15 per month for all three combined (or $25 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service is no longer offered, either. It will now cost you $77 per month.
YouTube TV
After up to a two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, unfortunately.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow, and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $80 per month and up after the free trial option.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast and news networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $80 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
