A public debate for all Provincial candidates for Prince Edward-Hastings will be held at Loyalist College on Tuesday, October 4 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Alumni Hall. Organized by the Media Studies Journalism faculty and students at the College, the agenda will be guided by community input. Individuals are encouraged to attend the event, which is free of charge, and to take advantage of the opportunity to review the issues and to send questions or comments in advance by visiting http://qnetnews.ca. Submitted input will shape the agenda for the evening’s debate.
“We are the last public debate to host all the candidates before Voting Day on Thursday, October, 6. So, this is the final chance people get to see them interact before making the big decision,” explained Professor Rob Washburn. “The opportunity for the public to ask questions and be involved is greater than ever because the Integrated Newsroom offers many ways in which the public can participate. Using leading edge technology, including the live blog software ‘Scribble Live,’ will give anyone at home the chance to discuss what is being said on stage. First-year students will be out in the community talking to voters, encouraging them to ask questions. These will be sent by text message for candidates to answer. People can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.”
“It is important for students and the public to see how many ways exciting new and emerging technologies can be used to help facilitate the democratic process. It is one of the most significant ways the news media contributes to our society and to our system of governance. Loyalist College is a leader in this regard and we have been on the forefront of e-journalism since 1999.”
“It is very important that youth have a voice in Canadian politics and this debate is the perfect opportunity for them to express their thoughts and concerns on matters such as investment in schools and tuition costs,” said Jose De Barros, second-year Journalism – Online, Print and Broadcast student from Geraldton, Ontario. “Because the community’s interaction is a valued dimension of the debate, individuals who are unable to attend in person are encouraged to submit their questions online. As journalists, we are preparing to enter the workforce as professionals, well-versed in integrating all aspects of journalism. The debate will incorporate all these components, allowing us to hone the skills that our future employers will be looking for.”
The debate will be broadcast live on 91X FM (91.3 FM), the College’s community radio station. The event will also be live streamed at www.91x.fm and during the event listeners can send in questions to be asked of each candidate by email.
-30-
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332, or Professor Rob Washburn, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2157