Dials and media partnership added to RIC political season

The addition of dial feedback, and a new partnership with WJAR-TV NBC 10, highlight this year's American Democracy Project at Rhode Island College. This year's events feature four debates, the first of which is set for Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. in Alger Hall, and several panels.

The collaboration between RIC and NBC 10 is unprecedented in the state. NBC 10 will be broadcasting all four debates and have a number of their on-air personalities on both panels.

"This is a very exciting opportunity to enrich our coverage and engage voters more in the political process during a pivotal moment for our local government," said Chris Lanni, content brand manager for NBC 10. "We are especially proud to be partnering with a prestigious local college and the renowned American Democracy Project."

Instant dial feedback has been a hot national trend in recent years, but these debates will be the debut of such technology in Rhode Island. The dials have been used by national media from MSNBC to Fox News; even Facebook and YouTube used dial feedback during their debates for the 2008 presidential election.

The dials are given to a sample of Rhode Island voters, who then use the handheld device to respond positively or negatively to what the candidates say during the debates. Their reactions are then displayed in real time on the bottom of viewers' television screens.

"These new technologies will offer viewers the opportunity to gauge how the audience's responses compare to that of the analysts' viewpoints," said Kay Israel, an ADP organizer and RIC communication professor. He continued, "Our project also offers our students the opportunity to see first-hand how these methods are employed."

The American Democracy Project at RIC, a campus initiative that promotes political engagement throughout the state, has been active on campus for years, and is organized in part by Israel and fellow communication professor Valerie Endress.

The debate season will kick of with the Republican gubernatorial primary contest on Sept. 8, and will be followed on Oct. 29 for the general election gubernatorial debate and both congressional contests, all held in Alger Hall. Some of the debates will air on tape delay, and some live, on NBC 10.