Bay Area media unite for California gubernatorial debate

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Three San Francisco media outlets are uniting to jointly sponsor the first debate of California’s 2010 US Senate race between incumbent Democrat Barbara Boxer and Republican challenger Carly Fiorina. The debate will also be carried statewide by various TV and radio outlets.


Cox Media Group’s KTVU-TV (Fox), Hearst’s San Francisco chronicle and KQED Public Radio are teaming up to stage the live, one hour debate on September 1st, a Wednesday evening. The debate airing from 7:00 to 8:00 pm PT will take place before a live audience at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, CA.

The debate will be carried live on KTVU and KQED, along with other broadcast stations across the state, and will be streamed live on the Internet on KTVU.com with links to the SFate.com and KQED.org. It is being offered live to all California Public Radio stations in addition to individual television stations in each of the state’s 10 TV markets.

“KTVU is very proud to provide our viewers and Bay Area voters an opportunity to hear the candidates exchange their ideas before this historic election,” said KTVU Vice President and General Manager Tim McVay, adding “Our goal is to elevate the level of public discourse during the campaign through our daily news coverage and by sponsoring public debates like this. It is an honor to host such a high profile and prestigious event.”

Four veteran political journalists have been recruited to question the candidates. KTVU Political Editor Randy Shandobil will moderate the debate and will be joined by panelists San Francisco Chronicle Political Reporter Carla Marinucci, La Opinion Senior Political Reporter Pilar Marrero and KQED Public Radio Host Scott Shafer.

“The upcoming election is of great importance to the Bay Area and the state,” said Ward Bushee, Executive Vice president and Editor of The Chronicle. “We are pleased to partner with KTVU and KQED to provide an opportunity for voters to learn more about the issues and candidates before casting their ballots for US Senate.”
 
“As broadcasters, we embrace our responsibility to educate the voters prior to this historic election,” said KQED Public Radio Vice President and General Manager Jo Anne Wallace. “This partnership that combines the Bay Area’s top radio, TV, internet and newspaper outlets will provide a terrific vehicle for reaching everyone. We are looking forward to it.”