President’s Memo

The 1988 presidential election is still nine months off, but (he primaries now being held will determine who the candidates will be in November. This month, KERA continues its long tradition of service to voters in Texas and throughout the United States by producing a pair of live debates featuring the presidential aspirants of both major parties.

The Texas Debates, moderated by veteran journalist and MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour correspondent Roger Mudd, will be televised live on Channel 13 and PBS stations across the country at 8 p.m. Thursday, February 18 (Democrats), and Friday, February 19 (Republicans). The debates, sponsored by KERA. Texas Monthly, and The Dallas Morning News, are the only nationally televised group meetings of the candidates currently scheduled in the Southwest during the weeks leading up to the March 8 “Super Tuesday,” when voters in Texas and twenty other states will go to the polls,

The two-hour debates, which will originate from SMU’s McFarlin Auditorium, will be broadcast live on 90.1 and American Public Radio stations coast to coast as well. The Texas Debates also will be transmitted by the College Satellite Network to some 600 colleges and universities where students will be able to ask questions of the candidates after the debates. This special transmission will be hosted by Hodding Carter.

KERA long ago earned a national reputation for timely and thorough election coverage. I hope you and your family will join us this month for The Texas Debates and stay with us all year for comprehensive local, regional, and statewide election specials on both Channel 13 and 90.1.



Best wishes.



Richard J. Meyer