CNN & TV ONE to Host Democratic Presidential Town Hall This Week

CNN will partner with TV One to host the "CNN-TV ONE Ohio Democratic Presidential Town Hall" on Sunday, March 13 from 8-10 p.m. ET, two days before five states hold primary contests. Moderated by Roland S. Martin, host and managing editor of TV ONE's "News One Now," and Jake Tapper of CNN, the nationally-televised primetime special will take place at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and air live on CNN and TV ONE. Emphasizing issues facing Black America, the two-hour event will also be simulcast on Urban Adult Contemporary Radio One stations in each of its 15 urban markets and live-streamed online and across mobile devices via CNNgo.

THE MARCH 13 event will follow a similar format of the five critically acclaimed Democratic and Republican town halls that CNN has hosted this year and serve as the closing statement in this "Super Tuesday" Democratic primary before Florida, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio hold primaries on Tuesday, March 15.

"Every election matters, and this year's Presidential campaign is no different," stated Martin. "African Americans are some of the most astute voters. The issues we care about the most deserve to be addressed by anyone seeking to be President of the United States. I look forward to vigorous and honest discussion with former Secretary Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders."

Following the Town Hall, on Monday, March 14, "News One Now" will continue putting the news into perspective from 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. ET in a special two-hour edition broadcasting from the student union facility at The Ohio State University.

In addition, viewers are encouraged to visit News One Now's companion website NewsOne.com and #NewsOneNow on Twitter for a chance to have Martin ask Clinton and Sanders their questions. NewsOne.com will also feature clips and community interviews from the event.

"This multi-platform news initiative combines the complementary strengths of our two organizations to reach members of the African American community via every available avenue," says Brad Siegel, President of TV ONE. "CNN and TV One working together can facilitate discussion of issues particularly relevant to our audience, an underserved yet very important constituency."