Telemundo To Host Gubernatorial Debates

The Telemundo Station Group on Thursday announced a series of statewide political debates that will be co-hosted and aired across various Telemundo-owned stations in the United States. Starting Sept. 4, Telemundo-owned stations in Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami and McAllen, Texas, will co-host, broadcast and provide on-line streaming of gubernatorial debates for statewide races taking place in California, Florida and Texas.

“This type of specialized programming serves as a testament to the commitment we have made as a station group to ensure that all of our viewers have access to the most up-to-date information they need to live their day-to-day lives,” said Manuel Martinez, president, Telemundo Station Group. “We believe it is fundamentally important for our Spanish-language viewers and the Hispanic communities we serve across the country, to be actively involved in the discussions that are taking place this election season. This type of programming allows us to help our viewers have the information they need as they prepare to elect the next Governors of California, Florida and Texas.”

The following Telemundo-owned stations will host statewide political debates: 

Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. PT — California Gubernatorial Debate
In partnership with KQED, the Los Angeles Times and The California Channel, Telemundo’s KVEA will co-host and provide a live Spanish broadcast of the only California gubernatorial debate to take place between Gov. Jerry Brown and challenger Neel Kashkari. KVEA morning news anchor Dunia Elvir will participate as a panelist.

Other Telemundo stations that will televise the debate in California include: Fresno (KNSO) San Jose (KSTS), Bakersfield (OGET), Palm Springs (KUNA), Salinas-Monterrey (KMUV), San Diego (KHAS), Santa Barbara (KTAS), and Sacramento (KCSO). Viewers can also watch the debate online at Telemundo52.com and engage via social media by following @Telemundo52 on Twitter and using the hashtag: #CAdebate.

Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. CT — Texas Gubernatorial Debate
Telemundo’s KTLM, in partnership with KGBT and The Monitor is co-hosting the first Texas gubernatorial debate between Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and State Senator Wendy Davis. KTLM anchor Dalila Garza will serve as a panelist.

Telemundo’s KTMD Houston and KVDA San Antonio will also televise the debate in Spanish. Viewers can watch the debate online at TelemundoHouston.com, TelemundoSanAntonio.com, Telemundo39.com and Telemundo40.com. KXTX Dallas will replay the debate on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 9 a.m. CT.

Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. CT — Texas Gubernatorial Debate
Telemundo’s KXTX Dallas, along with KERA and KXAS Dallas and The Dallas Morning News will co-host the second Texas gubernatorial debate between Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and State Senator Wendy Davis. Viewers can watch the debate online at Telemundo39.com and TelemundoHouston.com. KXTX will replay the debate on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 9 a.m. CT.

Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. ET — Florida Gubernatorial Debate
Telemundo’s WSCV Miami is hosting and producing the only Spanish-language Florida gubernatorial debate between Gov. Rick Scott and former governor Charlie Crist. Ambrosio Hernandez, WSCV’s senior anchor, will moderate the debate.

Other Telemundo stations that will air the debate include: Fort Myers (WWDT), Orlando (WTMO) and Tampa (WRMD). Viewers can watch the debate online at Telemundo51.com.

In an effort to keep Spanish-language viewers informed about political issues affecting their communities, various Telemundo-owned stations across the United States also air a monthly (weekly, in some markets) show titled Enfoque that provides in-depth analysis and discussion about local, regional and statewide public affairs topics affecting their communities.

Enfoque Los ángeles airs on KVEA on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. PT. Enfoque Politico airs on WSCV Miami the second through fourth Sundays of every month at 11:30 a.m. ET. Telemundo stations in Dallas, Chicago, San Jose, Phoenix and Tucson air their Enfoque programming the first Sunday of each month.