"The Debate Program has become an integral part of New York City's democratic process," said Father Joseph P. Parkes S.J., Chairman of the CFB. "The debates ensure voters get the chance to see the candidates stand side by side and discuss the issues. We are excited to be working with each of these sponsors to bring these debates to the public."
Although the Debate Program is administered by the CFB, the debates themselves are sponsored by various media, educational and civic groups, including Channel 7.
The debates will be broadcast via television, radio, and over the internet.
"WABC-TV and Eyewitness News are proud to continue our tradition of providing our viewers with the most comprehensive information necessary to make a thoughtful and confident decision when they enter the voting booth. We look forward to working with the Campaign Finance Board, the League of Women Voters and all of our partners as we serve the many needs of our diverse audience," said Kenny Plotnik, Vice President and News Director, WABC-TV.
The Debate Program was created by law in 1996 to ensure that citizens are provided the opportunity to see candidates running for city-wide office (mayor, comptroller, and public advocate) face each other in non-partisan forums that allow for substantive discussions of campaign issues.
The law requires all citywide candidates who join the Campaign Finance Program and meet the criteria for eligibility to take part in debates. Two debates for each office are held before the primary and two debates before the general election. In the case of a runoff election, one additional debate is held for each affected office. Non-participants can be invited to participate should they meet the debate criteria, but are not obligated to do so.
The second primary and second general election debates are reserved for "leading contenders." In accordance with the law, sponsors determine the non-partisan, objective, and non-discriminatory criteria used to establish which candidates are "leading contenders."
The Board has chosen two sponsor groups for the New York City's official 2009 Debate Program: NY1 News, NY1 Noticias, WNYC Radio, Daily News, Citizens Union, and Time Warner Cable; and WABC-TV, UNIVISION, 1010 WINS, and the League of Women Voters of the City of New York.
You can see full schedule of debates below:
Comptroller, 1st Debate
WABC-TV
Sunday, August 23
11 AM - 12 PM
Mayor, 1st Debate
NY1 News
Wednesday, August 26
7 PM - 8:30 PM (live)
Public Advocate, 1st Debate
WABC-TV
Sunday, August 30
11 AM - 12 PM
Public Advocate, 2nd Debate
NY1 News
Tuesday, September 8
7 PM - 8 PM (live)
Mayor, 2nd Debate
WABC-TV
Wednesday, September 9
7PM - 8PM (live)
Comptroller, 2nd Debate
NY1 News
Thursday, September 10
7 PM - 8 PM (live)
POTENTIAL RUNOFF ELECTION
Potential Runoff Debate
NY1 News
Tuesday, September 22
7 PM - 8 PM (live)
Potential Runoff Debate
NY1 News
Wednesday, September 23
7 PM - 8 PM (live)
Potential Runoff Debate
NY1 News
Thursday, September 24
7 PM - 8 PM (live)
GENERAL ELECTION
Mayor, 1st Debate
NY1 News
Tuesday, October 13
7 PM - 8:30 PM (live)
Comptroller, 1st Debate
WABC-TV
Sunday, October 18
11 AM - 12 PM
Public Advocate, 1st Debate
WABC-TV
Sunday, October 25
11 AM - 12 PM
Mayor, 2nd Debate
WABC-TV
Tuesday, October 27
7 PM - 8 PM (live)
Public Advocate, 2nd Debate
NY1 News
Wednesday, October 28
7 PM - 8 PM (live)
Comptroller, 2nd Debate
NY1 News
Thursday, October 29
7 PM- 8 PM (live)
NEW YORK AND TRI-STATE AREA NEWS
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