Faces Profile : Ray Fanning

by Eddie Haver

Radio-Television Professor Ray Fanning produced the Sept. 15 Montana Gubernatorial Debate between Governor Brian Schweitzer, Senator Roy Brown, and Libertarian Stan Jones in the PAR-TV building.

Fanning was primarily responsible for the content of the debate and coordinating with the participants and panelists. He said producing a debate can be challenging because you have to be careful to make everything fair and balanced in how you put the debate together. For example, candidates should have an equal number of opportunities to answer questions first or last. Fanning talked with each of the candidates afterwards and they all agreed that the debate was handled fairly.

Fanning has produced debates before in Boise, Portland, and Salt Lake City. He said this particular debate was unique because of the student influence involved. Three students selected by the Associated Students of the University of Montana were panelists. Topics covered included the economy, energy, and higher education issues.

Fanning said that the debate provides important information to voters. Governor Schweitzer is well-known; the forum allows voters to hear from other candidates with less access to media coverage. The program aired on C-SPAN, Montana PBS, Montana Public Radio, Yellowstone Public Radio, and the Northern Ag Network.