NMU students will be involved in the taping of a 1st Congressional District Candidate Forum. The program will be recorded before a studio audience Saturday, Oct. 7, in the Jamrich Hall auditorium. It will air on WLUC-TV6 at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12. One representative from both the College Democrats and College Republicans will ask a question of candidates Lon Johnson and Jack Bergman during a segment hosted by an NMU student. Other students will serve as assistant producer, assistant director and camera operators. 

“TV6 asked if we would collaborate on the production and we said yes, provided students were represented,” said Bob Thomson of WNMU-TV. “That was our No. 1 goal. It’s such an important race for this region and a great opportunity for students to gain some real-world experience that will build up their resumes and may help them professionally down the road. The political science department has been helping out as well.”

According to a TV6 press release, the candidates will compare viewpoints on a variety of issues impacting Upper Michigan, from electrical power to tourism. WNMU-TV’s Bill Hart and TV6’s Greg Trick will host the forum.

“We’re proud to be partnering with Northern Michigan University to present this 1st Congressional District Candidate Forum as a service to our viewers,” said Rob Jamros, vice president and general manager of WLUC-TV, in the release. “It’s part of our continuing effort to help create an informed electorate for Decision 2016.”

Hannah Schutzkus has been assisting Thomson with the final details in advance of the taping. She will also host the student Q&A segment, introducing Connor Raak from the College Democrats and Hannah Wiegand from the College Republicans before they ask their respective questions.

The forum will be recorded at 2 p.m. Saturday; doors will open at 1:30. To obtain a free ticket to be part of the audience, click here .