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Friday, 18 November 2011

Key v Goff - TV3 Leaders Debate

Election week kicks off on Monday with TV3’s debate between Leader of the National Party, John Key and Leader of the Labour Party. Phil Goff. John Campbell will moderate the hour-long debate, which starts at 7pm on TV3.

After the debate John Campbell will be joined by 3 News Political Editor Duncan Garner, political scientist Therese Arseneau, and Radio LIVE host Paul Henry for expert analysis and comment.

Unique to TV3’s debate is the use of the innovative Roy Morgan Reactor (a.k.a. ‘The Worm’), technology that tracks the responses of a carefully selected panel of non-committed voters to the two leaders and displays their responses on screen, allowing viewers to see the result in real time.

For the first time in this campaign, the general public will also be invited to respond to a Leaders Debate, using a ground-breaking smart phone app from Roy Morgan Research. Their responses will also be broadcast almost instantly, and will be clearly distinguished from the reactions of the panel.

Producer Keith Slater says that while John Campbell will step in to keep things on track, he wants the leaders to debate with each other rather than answering a series of questions from outside parties.

“John is the best in the business in ensuring viewers get to see an insightful and entertaining meeting of the ‘want to be’ Prime Ministers,” says Slater.

“Our panel discussion that follows the debate will be a highlight. We have three of the most astute political observers in the country, ready to analyse the highs and lows.

“Less than a week out from the general election, this debate will be crucial in helping viewers rate the contenders and make their minds up. This is the ‘proper debate’ between the major party leaders that New Zealanders have been waiting for.”

The Leaders Debate is part of Decision ‘11, authoritative and comprehensive coverage of the General Election from TV3’s leading news service.

On Election Day, TV3 will also have full coverage from 7pm, with John Campbell and Duncan Garner presenting a Decision ’11 election special. They will be joined in the studio by a panel of commentators and analysts, including Therese Arseneau, Linda Clark, Chris Trotter, Paul Henry, Rodney Hide, and John Tamihere, while from around New Zealand, 3’s leading journalists will be gauging reaction and tracking developments in the electorates.

TV3’s post-election wrap-up (Nov 27) is a special edition of The Nation hosted by Sean Plunket and Duncan Garner.

The Leader’s Debate
Monday 21 November, 7pm
John Campbell moderates the TV3 Leader’s Debate between Leader of the National Party, John Key, and Leader of the Labour Party, Phil Goff. A one-hour debate, followed by analysis from a panel of expert commentators.
Broadcast LIVE on TV3, simulcast on RadioLIVE, and streamed live online at 3news.co.nz/decision11.

3 News - The General Election
Saturday 26 November, 7pm
Comprehensive coverage from around the country as New Zealand goes to the polls, hosted by John Campbell and Duncan Garner.

The Nation – Post Election Special
Sunday 27 November, 8am
Sean Plunket and Duncan Garner present a special post election wrap up.

For more information and to download the Roy Morgan Reactor (Android or iPhone) app for free visit www.3news.co.nz/decision11

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