WTTW11’s Chicago Tonight to Host Candidate Forums

CHICAGO – October 1, 2014 – WTTW11, the Midwest’s premier public television station, announced today that its flagship nightly newsmagazine Chicago Tonight will present seven (7) live candidate forums in October 2014 featuring the contenders for state and federal offices in advance of the November 4 general election.  These forums will not be conducted in the manner of a traditional debate, there will be no opening or closing remarks or timed answers, and each will be moderated by one host or correspondent from Chicago Tonight.

The schedule is as follows (candidates’ names are in alphabetical order).  Each forum will take place during a live broadcast at 7:00 pm from the Renée Crown Public Media Center, and with the exception of those on October 29 and 30, will be 30 minutes in length – the October 29 and 30 forums will be 60-minute programs. 

*Incumbent

These candidate forums are underwritten in part by The City Club of Chicago.  The October 29 forum for U.S. Senate and possibly the October 30 gubernatorial forum (pending the participation of Mr. Rauner) will take place before a studio audience of The City Club’s members and guests, and will be live-streamed at wttw.com/chicagotonight.

“WTTW has always been honored to play an important role in the electoral process.  By bringing the candidates and an intelligent discourse on the issues to our audiences, they can make informed choices when they head to the polls,” said Dan Schmidt, President and CEO.  “We take our civic responsibility to the public very seriously, always mindful that it is one of the most vital facets of our mission,” he added.

About WTTW
WTTW is a premier public media organization committed to creating and presenting unique television and digital media content across four distinct television channels – WTTW11, WTTW Prime, the Spanish-language channel WTTW Vme, and WTTW Create/WTTW WORLD, and on wttw.com. Recognized for award-winning local and national productions such as Chicago Tonight, Check, Please!, and MEXICO – One Plate at a Time, WTTW presents the very best in cultural, nature, science, public affairs, and children’s programming to almost 2 million weekly viewers across a four state area. WTTW is unique in its commitment to serving the children in our community, with half of its weekday broadcast schedule devoted to educational and non-commercial content. Visitors to wttw.com can connect with others in the community and access a full library of local and national video content for kids and adults, interactive features, event and membership opportunities, and robust microsites dedicated to WTTW and PBS series and specials.

REPORTERS AND NEWS CREWS WISHING TO COVER ANY OF THESE EVENTS IN PRESON MUST MAKE ARRANGEMENTS IN ADVANCE.