JONESBORO — Arkansas State University will host three televised political debates in October, offering voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates competing in key state and federal races. The debates, produced by ASU-TV with the involvement of students from the university’s media and pre-law programs, will take place on Oct. 1, Oct. 8, and Oct. 22, each starting at 6 p.m.
The first debate, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 1, will focus on the Arkansas House District 36 race. Republican Rep. Johnny Rye has not confirmed attendance, while Democratic challenger Shamal Carter has stated he will participate.
On Oct. 8, candidates in the U.S. House District 1 race will take the stage. Republican incumbent Rep. Rick Crawford will not attend, but Democratic candidate Dr. Terri Yarbrough Green and Libertarian candidate Dr. Steve Parsons are set to participate in the discussion.
The final debate on Oct. 22 will feature candidates for the U.S. Senate, excluding Republican incumbent Sen. Tom Cotton, who will not attend. His Democratic challenger Hallie Shoffner and Libertarian candidate Jeff Wadlin will participate.
"We are excited to air these three political debates because they help connect voters with the candidates seeking to represent them," said Johnathan Reaves, an instructor of mass communication who is producing the events. "Meaningful debates are essential, as they allow the public to compare ideas, hear differing perspectives, and make informed decisions at the ballot box."
A panel of journalists and student leaders will pose questions to the candidates. Panelists include Allie Carson, editor-in-chief of *The Herald*; Lexie Burns, a KASU reporter; LaGanzie Kale, KLEK general manager; Samantha Mitchell, KASU news director; and Levi Seward, president of A-State's Pre-Law Club. Marty Scarbrough, KASU program director, will moderate the Oct. 1 and Oct. 22 debates, while Reaves will handle moderating duties on Oct. 8.
Students in Professor Galen Perkins’ Video Two class are responsible for organizing and managing the production of the debates. "I am excited to see our students play such a vital role in bringing these debates to the viewers. Not only is this an invaluable learning opportunity, but it also gives them valuable real-world experience in live television production while contributing to an important civic event,” Reaves added. “There is no better classroom than working on a broadcast that directly serves the community and helps inform voters."
The debates will be aired on ASU-TV, KASU Public Radio, Red Wolf Radio, and KLEK-FM, with simultaneous streams available on ASU-TV's YouTube and social media platforms.