Journalism department, KXD partner for mayoral debate

Submitted by Charles Fedullo
Phone: 907-388-8055
10/22/09

The University of Alaska Fairbanks journalism department and Tanana Valley Television’s News 13 will host a live mayoral debate Tuesday Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. It will feature Luke Hopkins and Tammie Wilson, who face off in a Nov. 3 runoff election for Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor. The commercial-free, hourlong event will air live on KXD-CBS 13 in Fairbanks.

"There are several important issues facing our community and this is a great way to allow the public to hear what the two candidates for mayor have to say," said Tanana Valley Television general manager Chris Fry.

Journalism department chairman Brian O’Donoghue agreed. "We were excited when News-13 called us. This is a great way for our students to get involved in organizing and executing a live television production. Students learn while working with professionals and Fairbanks residents see something not done for quite a few years: a live debate. Everyone wins."

Longtime Alaska broadcaster Bill Burrows will host the debate, "Eye on Fairbanks, the runoff to serve as the North Star Borough Mayor." The format will allow candidates to ask questions of each other and the public to question the candidates via e-mail and video recorded by UAF journalism students. People who would like to send questions for the debate can e-mail the KXD newsroom at news@tvtv.com.

KXD-News 13 reporter Micah Johnson will prepare an opening story on the municipal election that led to the runoff. KXD news anchor and UAF journalism student Amy Chausse will report on UAF’s involvement behind the scenes in the debate.

CONTACT: Charles Fedullo, UAF journalism professor, at 907-388-8055 or cbfedullo@alaska.edu. Chris Fry, Tanana Valley Television general manager, at 907-374-1505 or chris@tvtv.com.

CBF/10-22-09/068-10