Open To Debate Foundation

To advance our mission of restoring balance, facts, reasoned analysis, and civility To american public discourse, Open To Debate produces 52 episodes for public radio distribution, which is distributed as a podcast and companion newsletter. To meet the demand for weekly content production, we developed a virtual Debate platform To allow for live audiences and members of the media To engage with debaters in real time across the country, which resulted in hundreds of new journalist engagements and tens of thousands of new online subscribers. More than 120 stations now carry our weekly program, and another 240 stations broadcast select episodes. The program is carried in more than 50% of the top 25 npr stations. Debates are also syndicated on real clear media's digital properties and on social media platforms. Open To Debate's primary public service is the production of a weekly Debate program. The approach of the debates is To take the traditional "grammar" of Debate seriously, with one side proposing and the other side opposing a sharply-framed question of the week. Leading thinkers and authorities on the issues argue on each side of the question. A moderator keeps the proceedings orderly, respectful, and civil. Each side attempts To persuade the audience To change their minds or reinforce their beliefs. This adversarial context is electric, adding drama and excitement To the experience.