NH Debates Won’t Air on ABC in Little Rock

Broadcasting & Cable’s Michael Malone writes that Little Rock’s ABC affiliate KATV will not be airing the back-to-back Republican and Democratic Presidential debates Jan. 5, and will instead air a local college basketball game. The debates will air on MyNetworkTV affiliate KWBF, instead. The 90-minute debates are being moderated by ABC’s Charles Gibson, and come just days before the New Hampshire primary.

Considering one of the front-runners is a native son, the GM of KWBF might have a ratings winner on his hands (or not). “KWBF is very excited to be able to provide the Democratic and Republican presidential candidate debates live to central Arkansas,” Bill Maples said.

Turns out KATV was contractually obligated to run the basketball game.

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