Bethlehem, PA. – September 4, 2018 – PBS39 announced today that they will televise a live debate between the three candidates for Pennsylvania’s 7th congressional district on October 23, 2018 from the Lipkin Theater at Northampton Community College. The event will be hosted by PBS39’s Monica Evans and will feature former Allentown Solicitor Susan Wild (D), Olympic cyclist Marty Nothstein (R), and former WFMZ-TV reporter Tim Silfies (L), all competing for the seat formerly held by Republican Charlie Dent.

This hour-long event is being produced by PBS39 as part of its 2018 election coverage in an ongoing effort to keep the community informed. This debate promises to be exciting, as the race heats up just two weeks before election day. The 7th district is one of the most highly-contested in the United States, following a court-ordered redrawing of the Pennsylvania congressional map in February 2018.

The new 7th district is made up of parts of Rep. Dent’s (R) old 15th district (71.6 percent), Rep. Matt Cartwright’s (D) old 17th district (24.8 percent), and Rep. Tom Marino’s (R) old 10th district (3.6 percent). It is based around Allentown, Pennsylvania.

“PBS39 is proud to provide a full slate of in-depth election coverage this fall, and we are excited that all three candidates recognize the convening power of public media and have agreed to participate in this debate,” said Tim Fallon, Chief Executive Officer of PBS39. “We will continue to be the catalyst that promotes civic engagement, and we are thrilled to partner with Northampton Community College in presenting the event live from the Lipkin Theater on the NCC campus.”

About PBS39

PBS39 is a community-owned public television station licensed to Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, Pa., serving eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. PBS39 is owned and operated by the Lehigh Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation. PBS39 acts as the catalyst to promote civic engagement, and to fulfill the regional needs of the Greater Lehigh Valley through its dynamic communication platforms and resources. For more information, visit wlvt.org.

About Northampton Community College

With an enduring commitment to the regional community it serves and a focus on student success, Northampton Community College has developed a reputation as an institution of extraordinary distinction, earning accolades at the state and national levels for innovative programs, outstanding faculty and impressive student achievements. It counts among its successful alumni a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner and an Academy Award winning director as well as a host of CEOs, presidents, and leaders of business and industry. Today, Northampton Community College has locations in Bethlehem, Southside Bethlehem, Easton, and Monroe County, serving more than 28,000 students each year from 53 counties, 42 countries and 25 states. For more information, or to apply, please visit www.northampton.edu.