NEBDC Opens "TV Debate Academy" for Would-Be Candidates

= 200 applicants from four cities (Seoul, Cheongju, Gwangju, Daegu)=

The National Election Broadcasting Debate Commission (NEBDC) will open a TV Debate Academy to strengthen candidates’ abilities in taking part in debates for the 7th nationwide simultaneous local elections.

This academy will be split into 4 regional sessions; Seoul metropolitan area, Honam area, the Chungcheong, and Yeongnam area. Anyone who plans to run as the head of a local government or for superintendent in the upcoming elections may apply.

In each session of the academy specialist broadcasters, such as former and current anchors, will take part as lecturers. The academy will consist of practical exercises including camera adaptation drills and mock discussions and other programs to strengthen candidates’ debate skills including understanding of election broadcasting debates and image making. 

The sessions are scheduled to be held on February 23 in Seoul (Seoul metropolitan area), on March 6 in Gwangju (Honam area), on March 12 in Cheongju (Chungcheong area), and on March 14 in Daegu (Yeongnam area). There have been around 200 applicants in total, around 50 from each area. 

For more information, such as how to apply for this academy or where it is being held, visit the NEBDC website (www.debates.go.kr) or the homepage of the relevant Si/Do Election Commission. 

The TV Debate Academy was first held during the 6th local elections in 2014 to increase the voters’ right to information and promote a debate culture by improving the ability of candidates to participate in debates. 

The NEBDC said that, through the TV Debate Academy, debates during the 7th nationwide simultaneous local elections will be held in good faith and will hopefully help voters select candidates, and in the past the academy has been praised for helping candidates win an election.