PBS News marks Election 2026 with special coverage
The network added a new program to its lineup while continuing to stream archives of past presidential events.
By Marco Ortega ·
PBS News announced a special coverage package for the 2026 election cycle. The network released this update on November 10. It joins a long list of political broadcasts that the channel has produced over the years.
The new election special sits alongside other recent additions to the public media library. These include a program titled "War with Iran" and a segment on President Trump's address to the nation. The network also featured a documentary titled "Bruce Springsteen: Finding America in Song." This title appears multiple times in the current lineup, suggesting a focus on that specific content.
The channel has a history of covering major political milestones. Its archives include the 2026 State of the Union Address delivered by President Donald Trump. There is also a recording of Trump addressing the nation from the White House. These files sit next to coverage of his March 4, 2025, speech to a joint session of Congress.
Earlier political events are also available for viewing. The library contains footage of former Vice President Kamala Harris speaking to supporters after losing the 2024 presidential election. It includes the final debate between Trump and former President Joe Biden. The collection also holds the first day of the Trump impeachment trial and the sixth Democratic debate held on December 1, 2019.
The network has covered primary elections for many years. Viewers can find the Iowa Caucus Special and the New Hampshire Primary Special. There is also a broadcast from the March 10 primary. The archives extend back to the 2012 conventions, including full days of both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.
PBS News has produced specials on major national events beyond just elections. The library includes a special report titled "America Remembers 9/11." It features state of the union reports from 2013 and 2015. There is also a 2012 vice presidential debate special. The channel produced an inauguration special called "Celebrating America."
The network has covered specific policy issues through its programming. One episode of "Beyond the CANVAS" features novelist Margaret Atwood and playwright Danai Gurira discussing their work. Other programs examine social issues such as childhood trauma in rural Montana. There is a special on race and policing titled "America in Black and Blue 2020."
Coverage of the Trump impeachment proceedings is extensive. The library holds recordings for days one through four of the hearings. It also includes the final vote in the impeachment trial. The channel covered the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, with specials for days one, two, and four.
The network has looked at the criminal justice system in several reports. One segment discusses how drug testing in Alabama affects former prisoners. Another looks at the cycle of incarceration and homelessness. A program features a man who was free from prison for 23 years but faced challenges during the pandemic.
The next scheduled item in the current lineup is the 2026 Election special coverage. This follows the recent addition of the "War with Iran" special report. The channel continues to offer access to these archives through its Passport library, which includes dramas, arts performances, and documentaries.
