ABC Release on Their Facebook, WMUR Jan. Debates

Received from ABC: 

November 26, 2007

ABC NEWS, FACEBOOK & WMUR-TV TO HOST DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DEBATES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 5

Debates to Air in Primetime on ABC Days before the New Hampshire Primary

ABC News, Hearst Argyle's WMUR-TV and Facebook will host back-to-back Democratic and Republican Presidential debates in New Hampshire on Saturday January 5th. With the country focused on the upcoming New Hampshire Primary and the Iowa Caucuses just concluded, the two 90-minute debates will air in primetime on national television starting at 7:00 p.m., ET/PT on the ABC Television Network.

Both debates will be held on the campus of Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire. ABC News Anchor Charles Gibson will moderate and will be joined in the questioning by WMUR Anchor and Political Director Scott Spradling. Before, after and during the debates, Facebook users will be able to participate in Debate Groups, providing a companion to the televised debates.

“Coming on the heels of the Iowa Caucuses, these back-to-back primetime events will let voters in New Hampshire and throughout the country see the candidates challenge each other at a moment in the campaign when the stakes couldn't be higher,” said ABC News President David Westin.

“WMUR is proud of its tradition of informing New Hampshire voters,” said WMUR President and General Manager Jeffrey Bartlett. “We're excited to once again produce these important debates, Bartlett added.

The first 90 minute debate will air beginning at 7:00 p.m., ET/PT followed by immediately by the second debate with a break between them only to re-set the stage. (The order of the debates will be decided by a coin toss.)

Candidate participation in the debates will be contingent upon objective criteria established by the debate hosts.  The format of the debates and information about media credentialing will be announced at a later date.

Hearst-Argyle's WMUR will provide additional exclusive digital content on its web platforms
wmur.com and youtube.com/user/wmurtv.