CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- WSOC-TV Channel 9, WTVI Charlotte Public Broadcasting and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg League of Women Voters will produce and air a LIVE televised debate between candidates running for governor of North Carolina. Democratic candidate Bev Perdue, Republican candidate Pat McCrory and Libertarian candidate Michael C. Munger will participate.

“Vote 2008: The Race for Governor Presented by WSOC-TV, WTVI Charlotte and The Charlotte Mecklenburg League of Women Voters” will be broadcast live and in high definition. The debate, also closed captioned, will originate from the WTVI studios in Charlotte on Wednesday, October 15, 7:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m. EDT. The debate moderators will be Channel 9 Eyewitness News Anchor, Vince Coakley and City-County Government Reporter, Jason Stoogenke. The debate has been offered statewide to other television and radio stations.

“We have great partners in WTVI and the League of Women Voters. Our unique collaboration will give local viewers the opportunity to see the only gubernatorial debate held in Charlotte, live.” said Joe Pomilla, Vice President and General Manager of WSOC-TV and WAXN-TV.

The debate airs as part of WSOC-TV and WAXN-TV’s Candidate Access 2008 initiative. The Candidate Access 2008 plan calls for extensive coverage of the candidates and issues and includes special programming on WSOC-TV and WAXN-TV. The initiative aims to give viewers more comprehensive coverage of what’s on the ballot this year and to encourage them to be engaged in the election process.