UALR’s University Theatre will be the site for the first major debate among Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate: incumbent U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, and Little Rock businessman D.C. Morrison at 7 p.m. Friday, April 23. The debate is sponsored by KATV Channel 7, Little Rock’s ABC affiliate.

This year’s race for the seat held by the two-term incumbent and chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee is garnering national attention.

The debate will be broadcast live from UALR’s University Theatre in the Center for Performing Arts and will be moderated by KATV anchor Scott Inman.

KATV will be joined in the telecast by the state’s Northwest Arkansas ABC affiliate KHBS/KHOG in Fort Smith/Fayetteville. Live internet coverage will be provided on the websites of KATV and KHBS/KHOG, along with POLITICO at www.politico.com/2010, the popular national political website owned and operated by KATV’s parent company, Allbritton Communications.

“Channel 7 News earned its reputation as the broadcast television news leader in Arkansas with its coverage of Arkansas elections,” said Randy Dixon, KATV news director. “We’re just carrying on the tradition that started more than 40 years ago. We are very excited that our partners in Northwest Arkansas and a highly-respected journalistic organization like POLITICO are joining us in the effort.”

Inman will be joined by a panel of journalists, including KHBS/KHOG anchorman Craig Cannon, KATV reporter Jessica Dean, and POLITICO reporter David Catanese. In addition to questions from the journalists on the panel, Inman will pose viewer email questions to the three candidates via KATV’s website.

“I have been at KATV for over 20 years and have never seen this much interest in a campaign. I think this debate will serve the voters of Arkansas well,” said Mark Rose, KATV general manager. “This is the kind of public service that all involved are proud to present.”