This approach ensures that debates are held when public interest in the campaign is reaching a peak and the people are most likely to watch. Future debates should feature continued citizen participation and bolder, more innovative formats that stimulate interaction and actual debate between the candidates. The Task Force was encouraged by the changes adopted in 1992 and feels that a town hall meeting debate or some other form of direct citizen participation should be included in future debates. But we also believe that even bolder innovations are necessary if debates are to fulfill their purpose of creating a more informed electorate. We therefore feel that at least one of the presidential debates should use a format that requires candidates to question each other directly and discuss what they consider the major issues in the race.
Debates are most effective when they are broadcast at times likely to attract a wide audience.
The Commission, networks, and candidates must work together to ensure that debates are given the highest priority and that they are broadcast in prominent prime-time slots. All of the parties involved in the process must be sensitive to the scheduling concerns raised in previous debates. In particular, the networks should give higher priority to these events and demonstrate a greater willingness to alter their regular programming so that debates can be broadcast when most people are likely to be watching. Broadcasters should also expand their efforts to promote debates and increase the number of public service announcements dedicated to them. Debate broadcasts should be expanded to include more networks and additional time slots.