For Immediate Release
Thursday, October 20, 2016
WSIU, Southern Illinoisan & Regional Partners to Present 12th Congressional District Debate
Debate Scheduled for Thursday, October 27 at Lindenwood University in Belleville, Illinois
Limited Number of Tickets Available Through WSIU
Contact: Jennifer Fuller, Associate Director – News & Public Affairs, WSIU, (618) 453-6245, jennifer.fuller@wsiu.org; Greg Petrowich, Executive Director, WSIU, (618) 453-4344, greg.petrowich@wsiu.org
Carbondale, Ill. – WSIU Public Broadcasting, the public media stations of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, have partnered with Lindenwood University in Belleville, Ill., the Belleville News-Democrat, and the Southern Illinoisan to host a debate between candidates for the Illinois 12th Congressional District seat. The candidates are Republican Incumbent Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) and challengers C.J. Baricevic (D-Belleville) and Paula Bradshaw (G-Carbondale).
The debate will take place on Thursday, October 27 at 7pm at Lindenwood University Auditorium, 2600 West Main Street in Belleville before a live audience and will air live on WSIU Public Television – WSIU-TV 8 and WUSI-TV 16 – and on WSIU Public Radio -- 91.9 FM, 90.3 FM, and 88.9 FM. Watch for updates online at wsiunews.org and wsiu.org and on WSIU’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Veteran broadcast journalist and former WSIU-TV senior producer Jak Tichenor will moderate the debate, with questioning from panelists Jennifer Fuller of WSIU, Molly Parker of the Southern Illinoisan, and Joseph Bustos of the Belleville News-Democrat
“Having a face-to-face debate in the 12th Congressional District is important because it gives voters a chance to hear the candidates speak directly about the issues,” said Jennifer Fuller, Associate Director for News & Public Affairs at WSIU Public Broadcasting. “Voters can see and hear how the candidates think on their feet when faced with questions and decisions affecting our region and the nation.”
“Increasingly we hear from viewers and listeners who praise public broadcasting as one of the few places where candidates can address issues in a meaningful way and in their own words,” said Greg Petrowich, Executive Director at WSIU. "We’re pleased to continue playing such a vital role in the democratic process."
WSIU has a limited number of tickets available for the October 27th debate on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in attending the debate should call the WSIU Business Office during regular business hours, 8am to 4:30pm, at (618) 453-4344. Reserved tickets may be picked up in person at the Communications Building, Room 1003, 1100 Lincoln Drive, on the SIU campus in Carbondale.
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About WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting is licensed to the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University and is an integral part of the College of Mass Communication & Media Arts on the Carbondale campus. The WSIU stations reach more than three million people across five states and beyond through three digital public television channels, three public radio stations, a radio information service, a website, and an education and community outreach department.
WSIU's mission is to improve the quality of life of the people they serve. The WSIU stations partner with other community organizations to promote positive change and to support the academic and public service missions of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Learn more and get the latest station news online at wsiu.org and on WSIU’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
WSIU's programs and services are partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
