04/09/2026
A NOTE FROM FLAP-TV ABOUT DEBATE FORMATS
We’ve received a few questions about why FLAP-TV debates are held in-studio rather than before a live audience. For nearly a decade, FLAP-TV, in partnership with FATV and LTV have hosted dozens of municipal and state debates. They have been held in-studio, and broadcast live on cable, and live streamed on social media, After it is aired live, they are made available on-demand 24/7 on various platforms right up to election day—so they are NOT limited to cable subscribers. Also to note is these these are indeed live, in person debates. They are not held on Zoom or any other virtual platform. The candidates are in the same room, face to face.
In 2024, we tried something different and held State Representative and State Senate debates back to back before a live audience. The vast majority of those attending were respectful and followed the rules. Unfortunately, a small handful chose to heckle and disrupt a part of the state senate debate. And that’s the challenge: It only takes one or two people to distract candidates, interrupt answers and take valuable time away from the issues. Following that experience, we returned to the in-studio format last year, producing 11 local debates that went off without a hitch.
We’re hardly alone. Debate organizers across the country have increasingly moved toward audience-free formats because of increased instances of disruptions, heightened security concerns and, unfortunately, the potential for political violence in today’s tense political climate.
Recent Massachusetts gubernatorial and U.S. Senate debates have also been held in television studios without live audiences. And on the national stage, neither of the two 2024 presidential debates had a live audience, becoming the first general-election presidential debates since 1960 without a studio audience. This is quickly becoming the new normal. Not just here. Everywhere.
We understand some people enjoy watching debates in a group setting. We get it. Given this desire, we encourage candidates, campaigns and political groups to organize "debate watch parties" at local venues such as restaurants, clubs or function rooms - invite supporters and the public to come watch together—providing that group atmosphere while keeping the debate itself focused on the candidates and issues.
The goal is simple: fewer distractions, more discussion, and more time focused on the issues that matter to voters. The audience is not in the studio. The audience is our whole community.
