Unexpectedly, news outlets wind up having a relatively traditional election night experience

After months of reporting on what polls described as a remarkably close race, news outlets finally have the chance to report on actual results. But it turned out to be relatively traditional experience — from the first report of exit poll results, the night moved inexorably in Donald Trump's direction and away from Kamala Harris. Broadcast networks, cable news networks and digital news sites were all pouring efforts into reporting on the results. They knew going in that it might take much time for the picture to become clear. In 2020, President Joe Biden wasn't declared the victor over Trump until the Saturday after Election Day.