GRAND ISLAND — News Channel Nebraska is partnering with the Nebraska State Fair and three other Nebraska news organizations to host and broadcast a live debate between Nebraska U.S. Senate candidates.
The debate will feature Sen. Pete Ricketts and Dan Osborn. It will take place Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 6-7 p.m. at the BigIron Events Center during the Nebraska State Fair. It will air live statewide on News Channel Nebraska TV and radio platforms, stream free on the NCN app and website, and be available through NCN’s social media platforms.
“Providing Nebraskans with access to candidates seeking statewide office is central to our mission,” News Channel Nebraska CEO Andy Ruback said. “We’re proud to partner with the Nebraska State Fair and fellow Nebraska news organizations to make this debate available to audiences across the state.”
The debate will include opening and closing statements from the candidates. A panel of Nebraska journalists will ask questions to the candidates:
• Andrew Wegley, Flatwater Free Press
• Juan Salinas II, Nebraska Examiner
• Casey Wonnenberg, News Channel Nebraska
• Aaron Sanderford, Omaha World-Herald
NCN evening anchor Dave Griek will moderate the debate and enforce rules agreed upon by the campaigns. Additional details about the debate format will be released before the event.
The debate is free to attend, although Nebraska State Fair admission is required. The fair has a $2.50 ticket special on Sept. 1.
Seating is limited to 200 members of the public. Advance registration is required. Admission will be granted on site on a first-come, first-served basis among those who registered. Registration does not guarantee admission if capacity is reached.
“Though not in recent years, elected official debates were once a major component of the Nebraska State Fair and this is something we are looking forward to in an even more patriotic-than-normal year,” Nebraska State Fair Marketing Director Courtney Glock said. “The opportunity for our partner, News Channel Nebraska, to bring candidates back to the stage to help reach and inform Nebraskans about what they will be voting on in November feels in-line with our mission of educating and empowering Nebraskans to take ownership of the state.”
NCN has received commitments from the Ricketts and Osborn campaigns. Under the participation agreement, additional candidates may be invited if they meet established eligibility criteria before the debate. At this time, no other candidates have qualified.
To ensure a fair and orderly debate, signs will not be permitted inside the venue. Applauding, booing, cheering, whistling or verbally showing support or opposition to candidates will not be allowed. Audience members who are disruptive will be asked to leave.