Tuning Out the Riordan-Hayden Debate

In this age of the televised live event, it seems Mayor Richard Riordan and Tom Hayden need to do something far more dramatic than debate their visions for the future of Los Angeles to win some air time.

Only one local television station has committed to broadcasting Thursday’s debate between Riordan and his challenger in its entirety, even though the cable TV program sponsoring it has offered the video and audio feeds for free.

Oh sure, a couple of radio stations say they are interested in airing “The Race for Mayor” on Century Cable television’s public affairs show Thursday. Host Bill Rosendahl will ask the candidates questions for 15 minutes, then let them have at each other for the last 15 minutes.

But so far, only KCAL Channel 9 has promised to air the debate in its entirety. But even KCAL doesn’t plan to broadcast the late-morning debate live; the station will delay its telecast until 2:30 p.m.

Like some political analysts, Rosendahl lamented the lack of media interest in the debate--and in the April 8 election itself. All of the local stations ignored recent debates he moderated between candidates for Los Angeles city attorney, city controller and county supervisor.

But the mayor’s race?

“Nothing surprises me about the lack of the media involvement in the political and social issues of the day,” sighed Rosendahl. “That’s why voter turnout is so low and cynicism is so high. People don’t feel connected to the politics, the events or the issues that impact them.”

Keith Esparros, KCAL’s co-acting news director, said he believes the debate important enough to show Thursday afternoon. It might not be the biggest ratings draw, he said, but it is important nonetheless.

Other stations, Esparros surmised, “figure that with all the voter apathy, that there are not enough people out there interested in watching. But that creates a vicious cycle out there. The people don’t feel like they have a stake in it because they don’t know what’s going on.”

Larry Perret, news director of KCBS-TV, said he is trying to find a slot for the debate. “But we service an area that goes to 15 million people, many of whom are not affected by the Los Angeles mayoral race, nor do they have an interest in it.”

A news manager at another network station was more sanguine about the importance of a debate, saying the campaign has degenerated into a series of personal attacks. “Have you seen those two guys lately?” he asked rhetorically.

Raphael J. Sonenshein, a Cal State Fullerton professor and longtime watcher of Los Angeles politics, says the local media traditionally ignores important political stories like the mayor’s race, usually in favor of covering crime and other sensational news.

And that doesn’t give viewers enough credit, Sonenshein said.

“If the media doesn’t think it’s important, then the public doesn’t think it’s important and then that is used as evidence as to why it shouldn’t be covered. If people see what is going on, they may demand more coverage.”

Longtime political consultant Joe Cerrell said he politely warned Rosendahl that he may find few takers for his debate.

“But I told Bill, ‘Don’t take it personally if no one pays attention to it. The whole election is a ho-hummer,’ ” Cerrell said. “Everyone has basically written it off.”