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Rossiya channel hosts TV debates in run up to Duma election

TV debates between representatives of rivaling parties running for parliament will be broadcast by Rossiya TV channel

MOSCOW, October 31 (Itar-Tass) —— TV debates between representatives of rivaling parties running for parliament will be broadcast by Rossiya TV channel. The first debates will be on air at 10.50 pm on November 10, deputy director general of VGTRK Holding Dmitry Kiselyov said on Monday when lots were being drawn to determine the order in which participants are to appear in the TV debates. Kiselyov described the assigned free air time on Rossiya channel as maximum "ideal" to meet the idea of "prime time". The debates will be broadcast live and non-stop without advertisement breaks, Kiselyov said.

Vladimir Solovyov, a popular anchor of "Poedinok" (duel) political show, will host the TV debates which will be held in the format of his political show. "But, there will be neither audience’s voting, nor experts' commenting during the live broadcast," Kiselyov said. "Our task is making the debates maximum attractive to the audiences, interesting and polite," he added.

Taking part in the debates will be representatives of rivaling parties who might join their leaders in the discussion room where journalists will be present to ask questions to participants. The subject of the debates will be coordinated with the parties beforehand, Kiselyov said. If any of the two parties fail to appear to take part in the debate the party which remains will present itself solo, Kiselyov said.

Rossiya television is prepared to organize TV debates on a commercial basis as well, which offers an opportunity to the parties to choose a partner for the debates themselves if the lots they drew failed to bring them together.

Other TV and radio companies belonging to VGTRK holding, Rossiya-24, Radio Rossiya, Mayak, Vesti FM radio, will also offer free time to the parties for canvassing. The other companies which offered free time on air are Channel One, TV Center television and Voice of Russia radio.