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60 Minutes to air Debate

Nine has confirmed it will air the Debate between Howard and Rudd this Sunday night, even though Rudd is yet to agree to it.

Unofficially the Press Club-hosted affair will be moderated by Sky News‘ David Speers with a 5 member journalist panel. The panel is expected to comprise 1 representative each from the ABC, Fairfax, News Ltd and 2 commercial networks.

The Debate is expected to be broadcast and produced by the ABC, with a feed taken by 60 Minutes and Sky News. Nine’s packaging, ironically 100 minutes long rather than 60, will be screened commercial free with comment from Ray Martin and Laurie Oakes.

UPDATED: The Worm is confirmed to return, after producer John Westacott affirms wanting it included. It will also give Nine an edge over the other broadcasters. But will there be a copyright stoush before Sunday?

The Nine Network will present the first televised great debate between Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd in a special 90-minute edition of 60 Minutes live this Sunday, October 21 at 7.30pm.

Nine’s commercial-free coverage of the debate will be hosted by Ray Martin, and feature questioning of the leaders by a panel of five senior political correspondents and journalists representing television, radio and print media.

It will be followed immediately by an analysis of the debate and the exclusive verdict of Nine’s “Worm” – the computer-generated verdict of 90 uncommitted voters who will judge the debate live in-studio at Nine.

Nine Network Director of News and Current Affairs, John Westacott, said: “Nine remains committed to the live telecast of the election debate, which has become a national broadcasting tradition at the Network.”

Nine’s commitment to keeping viewers informed – right up until Australia votes on Saturday, November 24 – will extend across the Network’s news and current affairs programs, with National Nine News and TODAY delivering the latest news on the federal election each day.

Following A Current Affair’s interviews with Prime Minister Howard and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd on Monday night, ACA will continue to present interviews and stories that will help voters make their choice.

A Current Affair is also giving viewers the chance to have their say via a poll that will run throughout the six-week election campaign. To vote for John Howard as their preferred choice viewers can call 1902 555 201. To vote for Kevin Rudd, viewers can call 1902 555 202. Viewers can also SMS their choice by sending ‘A’ for John Howard or ‘B’ for Kevin Rudd to 199 55 200.

Voters will also be kept informed of all the major political news each week leading up to the federal poll on Nine’s flagship programs, SUNDAY and 60 Minutes.

In the week before the election a series of Nightline specials will screen at 10.30pm, including up-to-the-minute political news, a daily questionnaire to gauge voters’ opinions and a straw poll on election topics.

Election Watch

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