TV, radio stations simulcasting COVID-19 interview with governor from Cronkite School

TV and radio stations across Arizona will simulcast a live hourlong interview with Gov. Doug Ducey to explore the impact of coronavirus on the state.

The TV special, a partnership with the Arizona Broadcasters Association and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, will take place Thursday at 6 p.m.

It will be broadcast from the Arizona PBS studios in the Cronkite building on ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus.

Arizona PBS Horizon host Ted Simons and former 3TV anchor Carey Peña will host the discussion, which also will include Health Services Director Cara Christ, Arizona National Guard Maj. Gen. Michael McGuire and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman.

More than 50 television and radio stations, including Arizona PBS, are expected to broadcast the interview live.

“Basic information about COVID-19 is everywhere, but our goal is to cut through the clutter, eliminate any misinformation and let everyone in Arizona be part of an important conversation with our state leaders,” said Arizona Broadcasters Association President and CEO Chris Kline. “Arizona broadcasters are coming together in these unprecedented times, and we hope it’s a model for everyone in Arizona to do the same.”

There will be no live audience at the town hall given the current prohibitions against gatherings; however, virtual questions from the public may be submitted in advance through local television and radio stations across the state.

Arizona PBS invites viewers to share their questions at this link.