Boston's WB Announces the People's Debate: Democratic Debate for Governor

BOSTON, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- WLVI-TV (Boston's WB) will air a "People's Debate" between the Democratic candidates for Governor of Massachusetts on Thurs., May 25 at 10:30 p.m., with simulcast on 96.9 FM Talk radio. The one-hour debate will be taped in the Boston's WB studio on Wed., May 24 at 4 p.m.

"The People's Debate: Democratic Debate for Governor" will be moderated by Boston's WB Anchor Karen Marinella and will include the three candidates for the Democratic nomination: Boston businessman Chris Gabrieli, lawyer Deval Patrick and Attorney General Thomas Reilly.

Instead of philosophical questions from journalists, Boston's WB reporters will spend the next week soliciting debate questions directly from Massachusetts voters who want to know how these candidates' views will effect their everyday lives. Boston's WB is sending camera crews across the state, from gas stations to playgrounds, to gather input on what voters feel are the important issues they'd like to see addressed. Questions for the candidates may also be submitted on-line at http://www.bostonswb.com/.

96.9 FM Talk will have host Margery Eagan field questions for the debate from listeners during "Eagan and Braude" today from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Boston's WB will be inside the 96.9 FM Talk studio to videotape the program for a segment which will appear in the debate.

"The style of this debate will be relaxed and informal, yet the content will be important and interesting for people who want to hear the candidates talk about topics that matter," says Pam Johnston, news director, Boston's WB.

The debate will take place around a table, with opportunity for rebuttal and direct debate among the candidates in response to all questions. Candidates will be able to ask one question to an opponent, and each will provide closing (but no opening) remarks. The debate will air at 10:30 p.m., giving viewers a better chance to fit watching it into their busy schedules.

"We're committed to local political coverage and chose to air our debate at 10:30 p.m. because many working families are not home or available to watch debates that air in the morning or early evening," said Vinnie Manzi, vice president / general manager, Boston's WB.

WLVI-TV (http://www.bostonswb.com/), Boston's WB affiliate and Tribune Broadcasting station, is home of "The Ten O'Clock News," the market's 10 p.m. news leader. TRIBUNE is one of the country's top media companies, operating businesses in publishing and broadcasting.