Nexstar Broadcasting to Host Exclusive Televised Democratic Primary Debate in Massachusetts U.S. Senate Race
Incumbent U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and Challenger Joseph Kennedy III Will Face Each Other in Only Debate Held in Southeastern Massachusetts
WPRI 12, WWLP-TV, WXXA-TV, The CW Springfield, Gannett’s Massachusetts Publications and News Sites, and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Partner to Bring Coverage of Debate to Massachusetts Voters
DARTMOUTH, MA and IRVING, TX — Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXST), announced today that it will host and exclusively televise the only Southcoast debate between the two major candidates for the Democratic party’s nomination for U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, incumbent Ed Markey and challenger Joseph Kennedy III. The debate will take place on Monday, June 8, at 7 p.m. WPRI 12, Nexstar’s local television station in Providence, RI, is partnering with Gannett’s Massachusetts publications and websites and UMass Dartmouth to bring the debate to Massachusetts voters.
The debate will be broadcast live on several Nexstar television stations, including: WPRI-TV (CBS), WXXA-TV (FOX) in Albany, NY, WWLP-TV (NBC) in Springfield, MA, and The CW Springfield. Viewers may also access a live stream of the debate by visiting the website of their local Nexstar station. (See table below for more information.)
This Massachusetts U.S. Senate Debate is the only one scheduled to take place in Southeastern Massachusetts, a crucial section of the Bay State for both campaigns. The candidates are expected to discuss a wide variety of topics, with a focus on key issues for Southcoast residents. The debate will take place at The Angus Bailey Auditorium on the campus of UMass Dartmouth on Old Westport Road in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
The hour-long debate will be moderated by WPRI 12 reporter Tim White. Joining him in questioning the candidates will be WPRI 12 politics editor Ted Nesi and Taunton Daily Gazette/Enterprise of Brockton regional city editor Rebecca Hyman.
“WPRI 12 is Southern New England’s local election headquarters, and hosting this debate is another example of our ongoing commitment to serving voters across the region,” said Patrick Wholey, Vice President and General Manager of WPRI 12, FOX Providence, CW Providence and myRITV. “We are proud to partner with our sister markets, Gannett and UMass Dartmouth to bring the candidates here and answer the questions on the minds of Southeastern Massachusetts voters.”
“This marquee debate is another example of WPRI 12’s dedication to the kind of dependable, in-depth political coverage that is essential in informing the public in the lead-up to Election Day,” added WPRI 12 News Director Karen Rezendes.
“At UMass Dartmouth, we strive to provide our students with opportunities to become more engaged and thoughtful citizens,” said UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Robert E. Johnson. “By working with great regional partners like WPRI 12 and Gannett’s Massachusetts publications and news sites, we are giving not just our students, but the entire Southcoast an opportunity to have their voices heard.”
The Massachusetts U.S. Senate Debate Television Broadcast and Live Stream
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, 285 Old Westport Rd., North Dartmouth, MA
Monday, June 8, 2020
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Moderator / Panelists:
- Tim White, WPRI-TV
- Ted Nesi, WPRI-TV
- Rebecca Hyman, Gannett’s Massachusetts publications and news sites
| Station | Market | Station Website | Social |
| WPRI-TV (CBS) | Providence, RI / New Bedford, MA | https://www.wpri.com/ | @wpri12 |
| WXXA-TV (FOX) | Albany, NY | https://www.news10.com/fox23/ | @FOX23News |
| WWLP (NBC) | Springfield/Holyoke, MA | https://www.wwlp.com/ | @WWLP22News |
| The CW Springfield | Springfield, MA | https://www.wwlp.com/the-cw-springfield/ | @CWSpringfield |
About Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Nexstar Media Group is a leading diversified media company that leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers and advertisers through its traditional media, digital and mobile media platforms. Nexstar owns, operates, programs or provides sales and other services to 196 television stations and related digital multicast signals reaching 114 markets or approximately 38% of all U.S. television households (reflecting the FCC’s UHF discount). Nexstar’s portfolio includes primary affiliates of NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, MyNetworkTV and The CW. Nexstar’s community portal websites offer additional hyper-local content and verticals for consumers and advertisers, allowing audiences to choose where, when and how they access content while creating new revenue opportunities. Nexstar also owns WGN America, a growing national general entertainment cable network and a 31.3% ownership stake in TV Food Network, a top tier cable asset. For more information please visit www.nexstar.tv.
About UMass Dartmouth
UMass Dartmouth is a national research university that provides a private college educational experience and public university value. Dedicated to engaged learning and innovative research resulting in personal and lifelong student success, UMass Dartmouth offers 55 undergraduate majors, 33 graduate programs, and 14 doctoral programs. Located on the Southcoast, between Providence and Cape Cod, the university serves as an intellectual catalyst for economic, social, and cultural transformation on a global, national, and regional scale. Follow UMass Dartmouth on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Patrick Wholey
VP & General Manager
WPRI-12
401-228-1780 or pwholey@wpri.com
Gary Weitman
EVP & Chief Communication Officer
Nexstar Media, Inc.
312/222-3394 or gweitman@nexstar.tv
Investor Contact:
Joseph Jaffoni, Jennifer Neuman
JCIR
212/835-8500 or nxst@jcir.com #