Detroit Public TV and Center for Michigan to host candidate debates - Moderators from The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press - Debate video provided free, unrestricted to all media in Michigan

DETROIT, Aug. 6 - To help voters in southeastern Michigan cut through the campaign clutter, focus on the state's future, and make informed decisions in November, Detroit Public TV (DPTV), in association with the Center for Michigan, is offering to host debates between the top candidates in State House of Representatives races throughout metro Detroit. Debate offers will be extended to candidates in 47 contested races.

Beyond the unprecedented scope of the production, DPTV and the Center are taking extraordinary steps to guarantee the debates receive the largest possible audience; Video of every debate will be provided free and unrestricted to all media outlets and cable access TV stations in southeastern Michigan. The expectation is debate videos will be posted on media websites, aired on cable access, and used in TV news reports. Additionally, DPTV will broadcast debates on Channel 56 (schedule TBD) and post videos online.

"With so much attention on the presidential race, these debates are critical to helping voters focus on state House races - and helping candidates focus on the issues that matter most to voters," said John Bebow, executive director of the Center for Michigan, a non-partisan, non-profit "think-and-do" tank. The Center knows what's top of mind for voters. In the past year, the group has hosted 180 community meetings across the state to develop a "common ground" agenda. It includes three priorities for the state's future: 1) a globally competitive workforce; 2) a diversified economy and great quality of life; and 3) effective, efficient and accountable government.

"When you talk about Michigan's future, these really are the big three," Bebow added. "Everyone should be interested to see how the candidates address these and other issues critical to turning the state around."

"The Great Debates is an extraordinary use of traditional and new media to engage and educate voters," said Rich Homberg, DPTV president and general manager. "It's also another example of how Detroit Public Television is working to better serve the people of southeastern Michigan."

The 30-minute, fixed-format debates will be taped at DPTV's Detroit studios in August and September and - due to production constraints - be limited to two candidates. Candidates will field questions from respected journalists Nolan Finley, editorial page editor of The Detroit News, and Ron Dzwonkowski, editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press. Other Detroit-area journalists may serve as hosts/moderators depending on debate schedules.

As debate invitations are being mailed (and emailed) to candidates Aug. 6-8, DPTV Director of Program Development Dave Manney stressed the importance of candidate cooperation. "We obviously can't force candidates into the studio," Manney said. "We need every candidate to embrace this project and reach an agreement with their opponent. Tell us you're ready for a serious debate of the issues, and we'll make it happen."

For more information:
DPTV: Dave Manney (313-701-8274) - dmanney@dptv.org
John O'Donnell (248-305-3781)- jodonnell@dptv.org
The Center: John Bebow (734-769-4625) - jbebow@thecenterformichigan.net