KWQC-TV6, the top-rated NBC affiliate in Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois, is producing three "Decision 2014" debates for critical races in Iowa. Each debate will air during network prime time.
· Saturday, September 20th, from 7-8pm: Iowa Gubernatorial candidates Gov. Terry Branstad (R) and State Sen. Jack Hatch (D) debate live from Edward Stone Middle School in Burlington, IA. Topics of discussion include economic prosperity and job creation. The debate is presented in partnership with the Burlington Hawk Eye newspaper and Greater Burlington Partnership. In addition to broadcasting on KWQC-TV 6.1, the debate will be simulcast on kwqc.com, thehawkeye.com and C-Span.
· Saturday, October 11th, from 7-8pm: U.S Senate candidates Rep. Bruce Braley (D) and State Sen. Joni Ernst (R). Live from The Galvin Fine Arts Center in Davenport, hosted by St. Ambrose University and in partnership with The Quad-City Times, this debate has taken on national importance as the outcome may very well decide control of the U.S. Senate. The debates will stream on kwqc.com and qctimes.com. KWQC-TV6 is also providing a live feed to Waterloo station KWWL, which will also carry the live broadcast.
· Saturday, October 11th, from 4-5pm (airing from 8-9pm): The 2nd Congressional District debate between Rep. Dave Loebsack (D) and Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) will be recorded live at 4pm from the Galvin Fine Arts Center in Davenport and air at 8 p.m. on KWQC-TV6, following that evening's Senate debate. The Congressional debate, produced by KWQC-TV6, is also hosted by St. Ambrose University, in partnership with The Quad-City Times.
KWQC-TV6 anchor Gary Metivier will moderate each debate and lead a panel of political experts in asking questions on key issues impacting Eastern Iowa, the state, and the country.
"KWQC is proud and honored to present the candidates in a live forum so close to Election Day," said KWQC-TV6 VP/General Manager Ken Freedman. "Giving our communities the chance to hear directly from the candidates, addressing issues affecting them in a format other than thirty-second political ads will help create a more informed electorate," Freedman said.
KWQC-TV6 News Director Rich Kurz said, "KWQC covers the issues that affect our region better that anyone and we're pleased the candidates accepted our offer of a prime time forum to speak directly to each other and address the critical issues of our time."
About Media GeneralMedia General, Inc. is a leading local television broadcasting and digital media company, providing top-rated news, information and entertainment in strong markets across the U.S. The company owns or operates 31 network-affiliated broadcast television stations and their associated digital media and mobile platforms, in 28 markets. These stations reach 16.5 million, or 14%, of U.S. TV households. Their network affiliations include CBS (12), NBC (9), ABC (7), Fox (1), MyNetwork TV (1) and CW (1). Sixteen of the 31 stations are located in the top 75 designated market areas. Media General first entered the local television business in 1955 when it launched WFLA in Tampa, Florida as an NBC affiliate. The company subsequently expanded its station portfolio through acquisition. In November of 2013, Media General and Young Broadcasting merged, combining Media General's 18 stations and Young's 13 stations into the 31-member group that exists today. Five of the stations have been on the air since 1949: WCMH in Columbus, Ohio; WVTM in Birmingham, Alabama; WJAR in Providence, Rhode, Island; KWQC in Davenport, Iowa; and KRON in San Francisco.
