KTRV-TV, Boise, ID LOCAL STATION, SMALL MARKET

KTRV, a start-up news operation in the 123rd largest television market, was determined to bring the election to the voter. Is coverage, called "Coffee With the Candidates," is clever and informative. The station contacted all candidates in every contested race on every ballot within its viewing area. All were invited to the Flying M Coffeehouse in downtown Boise for a series of 45-minute debates conducted over the span of three days. The station heavily promoted the debates and invited viewers to come to the coffeehouse and ask their own questions. The three days of debates were condensed into five-minute mini-debates, which aired for 26 nights. The judges praise the format for its creativity and originality. They praise the idea of hosting the debates in a local coffee shop and allowing inviting the voters to ask the questions. Watch a clip of the winning footage.