The Tennessee Press Association will hold a gubernatorial forum on Oct. 27 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, President Dave Gould announced on Thursday.
“Members of the press have a duty and public service to inform Tennesseans about government and public affairs, including elections,” said Gould. “This is the first time in eight years Tennessee voters will elect a new governor and it’s important the public hear from the major candidates in an open forum.”
Republican nominee U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Democratic nominee and Memphis City Councilmember Jerri Green and independent candidates David Hatley and Lauren Pinkston have been invited to participate. Green, Hatley and Pinkston have confirmed.
The event, scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT, will be held in a studio setting and live streamed by a student-led video production team in the Department of Media Arts at MTSU’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment.
The event will not be open to the public but will be live streamed by Tennessee Press Association member newspapers throughout the entire state of Tennessee.
This is the only nonpartisan forum scheduled for the election and only one that
is not tied to one of the campaigns.
Founded in 1870, the Tennessee Press Association represents more than 133 print and digital news outlets across the state.
Middle Tennessee State University offers more than 300 majors and has an enrollment of about 20,000 students. It is home to the Free Speech Center, a nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy center dedicated to building understanding of the First Amendment through education, information and engagement. Follow the Chester County Independent for information on viewing this candidate forum.
