FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 – 2:30 PM PDT
OREGON TO HOST FIRST GLOBAL REPUBLICAN
PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
Oregon Republican Party, The Washington Times, PBS, NPR, and OPB
will provide unprecedented national and international coverage
Portland, OR – Oregon Republican Party Chairman Allen Alley announced today that the Republican National Committee has approved a proposal by the Oregon GOP to host a Presidential Primary debate in Portland, Oregon on Monday, March 19th, at 6:00 PM PST.
This 90-minute debate between the Republican candidates for president is offered in cooperation with the Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), NPR, and print and digital partner, The Washington Times.
This debate will likely be the only Republican Presidential Primary debate to reach all Americans, not just those who subscribe to cable and/or satellite television services. The 350 television stations affiliated with PBS reach 99 percent of the population of the United States, and are watched by 124 million people each month. NPR and its 270 member radio stations reach a weekly audience of over 33 million listeners. Millions more watch and listen online at PBS.org and NPR.org.
The Oregon Republican Party-hosted debate will also have a global reach. It will be made available to Armed Forces Radio and TV, Voice of America and foreign broadcasters such as the BBC for Americans overseas. In addition, simultaneous Spanish language translations will be available to Hispanic viewers through secondary audio channels.
“By forming this unique coalition of media partners, the Oregon GOP is demonstrating the kind of leadership that Americans are looking for,” said Allen Alley, Chairman of the Oregon Republican Party. “Republicans, Democrats and Independents all have an interest in learning more about the philosophies and policies of the Republican Presidential candidates. Our media partners have an unprecedented ability to bring the debate into living rooms all over the world.
“I am excited also that our media partners have the capability to fully utilize internet streaming technology and their distribution networks to reach Americans serving our country and doing business in every corner of the world. I cannot think of a place better suited to host this uniquely global debate than Oregon.”
None of the Republican candidates are expected to have won the 1,191 delegates necessary for nomination under Republican Party rules by the March 19th event date, making this debate pivotal for a candidate to eventually win the Republican nomination.
