As the 2016 election grows ever closer, we’ve gotten a number of questions about why we aren’t providing live coverage of the myriad primary debates taking place for both Democrats and Republicans.
The short answer? We generally don't have access to the live feed. Primary debates are usually sponsored by a specific news outlet, and they retain the exclusive rights to broadcast the event. In most cases, they've been made available to stream online for free at the news organization's website, but other media organizations including NPR and VPR have no access to a live audio stream.
NPR has been live blogging these debates and carry extensive coverage and analysis before and after the debate as well. You'll find all of NPR's Election 2016 coverage here.
Below are the remaining scheduled primary debates along with details about how to stream, if available:
Jan. 17, 2016
Democratic debate sponsored by NBC/Congressional Black Caucus Institute
More details to come
January 28, 2016
Republican debate sponsored by Fox News
More details to come
Feb. 6, 2016
Republican debate sponsored by ABC News/IJReview
Time – 8 p.m. ET
Watch Live
Feb. 11, 2016
Democratic debate sponsored PBS
More details to come
Feb. 13, 2016
Republican debate sponsored by CBS News
Time – 9 p.m. ET
Watch Live
Feb. 26, 2016
Republican debate sponsored by NBC/Telemundo/National Review
More details to come
March 9, 2016
Democratic debate sponsored by Univision/The Washington Post
More details to come
March 10, 2016
Republican debate sponsored by CNN/Salem Radio
More details to come
March 2016
Republican debate – Fox News (pending)
More details to come
After the primaries and Presidential debates begin, we will be carrying those live as they are presented by The Commission on Presidential Debates and are accessible by all news organizations.
The first Presidential and Vice Presidential debates are scheduled for:
First Presidential Debate:
Monday, September 26, 2016
Wright State University, Dayton, OH
Vice Presidential Debate:
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Longwood University, Farmville, VA
We will continue to update this blog as more information comes our way. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!
