The New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) announced today that Time Warner Cable and CBS have agreed to air WCBS-sponsored debates on Channel 2, despite their ongoing dispute over broadcasting rights. Last week, CFB Chair Father Joseph P. Parkes, S.J. and Voter Assistance Advisory Committee (VAAC) Chair Art Chang sent a letter to Time Warner and CBS requesting both sides to set aside their differences so that New Yorkers have a chance to see the candidates debate one another before heading to the polls on Tuesday, September 10. The CFB and VAAC thank Time Warner Cable and CBS for recognizing the importance of this civic endeavor.
"With vacancies in all three citywide offices, this election will decide the future of the city we all share and love," said Father Parkes. "We are very pleased that these two institutions have chosen to look past their differences and provide all New Yorkers the best opportunity to see these important debates."
The CFB has presented debates between candidates for citywide office since 1997. A full list of remaining primary election debates with broadcast information:
- Democratic Primary, Comptroller: Thursday, August 22, 7:00pm (WCBS)
- Democratic Primary, Public Advocate: Sunday, August 25, 11:30am (WNBC)
- Republican Primary, Mayor: Wednesday, August 28, 7:00pm (WCBS)
- Democratic Primary, Mayor: Tuesday, September 3, 7:00pm (WNBC)
- Republican Primary, Mayor: Sunday, September 8, 11:30am (WNBC)
- Democratic Runoff, Mayor: Monday, September 23, 7:00pm (WCBS - only if necessary)
For information about the CFB debates, including schedule, foreign language broadcasts, and watch parties, please visit www.nyccfb.info/debates/schedule-2013.html.
NYC Votes is the non-partisan voter engagement campaign of the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) and its Voter Assistance Advisory Committee (VAAC). In addition to promoting voter registration, participation, and civic engagement in New York City through its many programs and partnerships, NYC Votes sponsors the city's official Debate Program and produces the citywide Voter Guide.