KTIV Debate Decision SUX -- Updated

The first debate between Republican gubernatorial candidates is Wednesday in Sioux City. But it will be off-limits to the public and press.

No April fooling.  From The Gazette/Lee Enterprises:

The first Republican Party primary debate will be taped in closed studio next Wednesday, April 7 by Sioux City NBC affiliate KTIV, then aired on April 10 and 11 on KTIV and two other NBC regional stations. No other members of the media will be allowed to observe the debate, KTIV director of news and operations Bridget Breen said.

Breen did not return calls seeking further comment.

I can see why. Defending the indefensible is super tough. I also called and left a message.

This is ridiculous in many ways, of course. The candidates, at this point, appear to be sort of shrugging at this fiasco. But they need to firmly push the station to allow public access and coverage of the taping.

It's in their best political interests, for one thing.  I assume Bob Vander Plaats and Rod Roberts are hoping to land a few newsy punches on GOP favorite Terry Branstad. And Branstad probably wants to open up a fresh can of comeback.

But if a candidate makes news or launches a zinger in a closed TV studio, and no one is around to hear it, will it make a sound? Three days later?

And Democrats are already making hay:

Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan released the following statement calling for open, public debates in the Republican Primary.

“Iowa's voters should not just be disappointed, but outraged, to hear that the Republican candidates for governor agreed to a closed debate. It is wrong to allow only a select few people to know what these candidates say before the voters know.

"More importantly, it is absurd that any candidate for the Republican nomination would agree to this blackout. It is a disservice to Iowa's voters and our democratic system.

“Let there be no doubt, Governor Chet Culver and our Democratic candidates will only participate in debates that are open to the press and to the public. It's essential for the press and the public to have immediate access to what candidates say about their views and positions.

My gut tells me this will get worked out. That's based on my optimistic belief that KTIV employs actual news professionals who will see the irony and error in closing a debate between candidates for high public office.

The same station did a weeknight-weekend tape-delay debate between Tom Vilsack and Doug Gross in 2002 that I and several other reporters were allowed to cover. I don't see what the problem is now.

UPDATE -- The Sioux City Journal

is calling on all three GOP candidates to withdraw from the debate. The paper has sent letters to the campaigns asking them to back out and is offering to host an open debate on the same day.