The “Swing State Radio Network” launched by New York’s WNYC is returning for the upcoming presidential and vice-presidential debates. WNYC public affairs host Brian Lehrer will anchor pre-debate call-in shows that will air in New York as well as on WUSF in Tampa, Fla.; WMFE in Orlando, Fla.; WDET in Detroit; WFAE in Charlotte, N.C.; WOSU in Columbus, Ohio; WCPN in Cleveland; Wisconsin Public Radio; and New Hampshire Public Radio.
The coverage will also feature a live chat with a video feed hosted on WNYC’s political site, ItsAFreeCountry.org. WNYC political reporter Anna Sale will participate in the chats.
The impromptu Swing State network began with coverage of the party conventions. Since then, three stations have dropped out — WAMU in Washington, D.C.; KBIA in Columbia, Mo.; and WUNC in Chapel Hill, N.C. — and several are new to the network this time around. The first debate is scheduled for Wednesday at 9 p.m. Eastern time, with Lehrer’s show starting at 8 p.m.