The National Association of Broadcasters has launched its midterm election online toolkit, complete with help in identifying online misinformation and disinformation, which has plagued recent elections.

Also included is advice for hosting debates; resources for voter registration and finding the correct polling place; turning out the youth vote; and turnkey voter participation public-service announcements (PSAs) in English and Spanish (see image).

“Local broadcasters are a trusted and reliable source of news and information, which takes on heightened importance in combating disinformation as Americans exercise their right to vote,” NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said of the toolkit. “The toolkit will equip radio and television stations in helping voters make informed decisions at the polls — an essential component in ensuring the vitality of our democracy.”

Stations that want to help expand the toolkit by sharing examples of their own debates, news coverage of voter education efforts should e-mail advocacy@nab.org. They can also reach out to director of public affairs Melissa Eastlake at meastlake@nab.org. ■

It was the Republican party and Fox News Channel's night.

As the GOP gained control of the Senate, Fox News Channel set the pace with the Nielsen electorate garnering the largest overall audience and also standing atop the so-called news demo among cable and broadcast networks with its midterm election coverage. 

Fox News Channel averaged 6.6 million watchers in the 10 p.m. hour (ET), when the three broadcast networks turned their attention to the results. CBS placed with 5.4 million viewers, compared with 4.2 million for NBC and 3.1 million for ABC.

For their part, CNN, which is currently dark on Dish Network, scored 1.9 million watchers during the period, while MSNBC registered with 1.6 million viewers.

Among the 25-to-54 set, FNC led the way with 1.8 million watchers, while CBS had 1.55 million and NBC 1.48 million. ABC was fourth, counting 1.08 million in that group, ahead of CNN's 912,000 and MSNBC's 566,000. That marked the first time that the cable news leader bested all of the broadcasters with the news demo.

During primetime from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., FNC averaged 6.3 million watchers, versus 2.1 million for CNN and 1.7 million for MSNBC.

On the demo watch, FNC scored with almost 1.7 million adults 25 to 54, more than double the combined total of its cable competitors: 909,000 for CNN and 525,000 for MSNBC. 

Pivot's news program 'TakePart Live' and TakePart.com have paired with the on-demand rideshare app, Lyft, to encourage voting in the midterm election on Nov. 4., the network announced today.

New Lyft riders will be eligible for a free ride up to $25, by using the code JustVote, from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4.

TakePart’s #JustVote campaign started the promotion with the intention to get voters to ‘think nationally, and vote locally.’ 

“Registering is just the first step, if you don’t get to the polls to vote your voice doesn’t count. I’m excited to have Lyft on board to close the last mile so there’s no excuse, everyone should Just Vote," said co-host Jacob Soboroff in a release.

The campaign joined Rock the Vote to promote voter registration, and now Lyft plans to help voters through the entire process.

"Voter turnout for mid-terms are always lower than Presidential elections-15-20% on average, and this time the entire House of Representatives and one–third of the Senate up for reelection this November, said EVP of Social Action for Participant Media, Chad Boettcher in a release. This is a pivotal vote!"

TakePart reports on-air and online election stories throughout the year until the 2016 Primary Elections. Hosted by Jacob Soboroff, Meghan McCain and Baratunde Thurston, TakePart Live airs Monday-Friday at 10 p.m.