Salem Media Group has announced that they will serve as the exclusive radio partner for CNN’s Republican primary debates. CNN was granted two debates by the Republican National Committee, with a third possible debate if the primary season runs long enough. “We are pleased to be working with CNN,” said David Santrella, President of Broadcast Media at Salem. “I am confident that both the access to our audiences and the incorporation of Salem talent will make the debates more accessible for the American electorate.”
According to a Salem spokesman, a panel will be asking questions to the candidates. Hugh Hewitt was announced as one of the participants for the September debate that will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Hewitt said in a statement, “I am delighted to be included with journalists posing questions as part of one of America’s finest political traditions -the presidential debate.” Hewitt added, “These debates come at a critical time, and good questions will allow Republican primary voters the opportunity to see and hear their would-be nominees provide answers to issues that genuinely concern them. Any reporter who is also a political junkie welcomes the chance to be on such a panel, which of course I do.”
As part of his involvement, Hewitt will host a special edition of his radio show before and after the Republican debate.
RNC Chairman Reince Priebus has made involving conservative media a priority while revamping the debate process for the Republican Party. In a statement he said, “I’m thrilled that Salem will partner with three of our Republican primary debates that will be aired on CNN. When we set out to improve the debates, I promised conservative media would be part of the process. Salem will help the Republican Party have meaningful debates about new ideas for the future, while Democrats simply coronate Hillary Clinton.”