New England Public Media to Host First Democratic Primary Debate Between Richard Neal and Alex Morse for 1st Congressional District Democratic Nomination on Aug. 17
SPRINGFIELD, MA (July 31, 2020) U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, and his challenger in the Sept. 1 Democratic primary, Holyoke Mayor Alex B. Morse, will meet to debate on Monday, Aug. 17. It will be broadcast on New England Public Media on Channel 57 (television)and 88.5 FM (radio), starting at 7 p.m.
The debate is being organized by a consortium of media organizations, including New England Public Media, The Republican and MassLive, and The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield.
The face-off comes two weeks prior to the primary for the 1st Congressional District seat that Neal has held in the US House of Representatives for more than 30 years. To date, it is the first debate set between the two candidates.
Due to social-distancing requirements as outlined by the state, there will be no live studio audience for the event, according to executive producer Tony Dunne, of New England Public Media.
“We’re thrilled to partner with our colleagues in bringing the democratic primary candidates for the First Congressional District together for a debate about the issues that matter most to the people in our region,” said Dunne. “With our consortium of print, radio, digital and television media outlets making this available across multiple platforms, this forum for civic engagement takes on greater significance as the pandemic has limited the public’s access to the candidates.”
The hour-long debate will be moderated by Ray Hershel, of New England Public Media’s Connecting Point. The panel of questioners will include representatives of The Republican/MassLive and The Berkshire Eagle.
Each media organization will be soliciting questions from viewers and readers on topics of concern to residents of the 1st Congressional District. The district, with its lines redrawn after the2010 census, covers 87 communities in five counties. Geographically, it is the largest district in the state.
“Our goal, as always, is to ensure we help build an informed electorate,” said Cynthia G.Simison, executive editor of The Republican. “Together with MassLive, we strive to provide as much information as possible online and in print for our readers to learn about the candidates for public office. This debate is one more way for voters to see and learn about the candidates.”
Adds Kevin Moran, executive editor of The Eagle, “This is the first debate between Rep. Neal and Mayor Morse. And for many voters — especially the undecided, this debate will get at the issues and explore the differences between the two candidates so voters can be confident they're making informed decisions at the polls on Sept. 1.”
Neal, a former mayor of Springfield, was first elected to Congress in 1988. He most recently defeated Democrat Tahirah Amatul-Wadud by 40% of the vote in 2018. In December 2018House Democrats voted to name Neal chairman of the powerful Ways & Means Committee.
Morse, first elected at the age of 22, has been mayor of Holyoke since 2012. He was the
youngest and first openly gay mayor in the city’s history. This marks his first campaign forelective office outside of Holyoke.
In addition to being broadcast on NEPM Channel 57 (television) and NEPM 88.5 FM (radio), thedebate will be streamed online at nepm.org as well as on the MassLive and Eagle websites.
ABOUT NEW ENGLAND PUBLIC MEDIA
New England Public Media is a community-supported, independent non-profit organization based in Springfield, MA. Through a deep commitment to independent local journalism, trust ededucational content, inspired cultural offerings, and civic engagement, NEPM endeavors to share new voices and inspire new conversations. It provides audiences with a broad array of local and national programs across all media—TV, radio, online, and mobile, including PBS and NPR programs as well as locally produced series, podcasts and specials. Its four digital TV channels, and two radio networks present news, jazz and classical music, documentaries, talk, drama, plus cultural and educational programming.
NEPM brings quality public television programs to audiences across western New England, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs, to hear diverse viewpoints, and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBSKIDS helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. NEPM's locally produced television programming includes the magazine-format public affairs show Connecting Point, the bilingual series Presencia, and the academic quiz show As Schools Match Wits. NEPM is available over the air on digital channel 57-1 and on cable throughout western Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut and can be seen in high definition in western Massachusetts at Comcast 857, Time Warner 1221, Spectrum782, and over the air on channel 57.
Where to Watch
New England Public Media's radio presence provides an essential and trusted voice for the region through local reporting and locally-produced music programming, and by connecting the region to the world through its partnership with NPR and other national and international public media organizations. Its flagship signal, 88.5FM WFCR, and 5 repeating stations in Berkshire County, presents news, jazz, and classical music, while the six stations of the NEPM News Network provide the region with news, talk, and cultural programming 24/7.
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