AZ Votes
When reliable information on candidates is more important than ever, Arizona PBS provides our viewing public with “Candidates in Conversation,” a new opportunity to hear directly from candidates in a format that highlights not only their political stances, but also reveals how candidates perform under pressure.
Arizona Governor candidates - Republicans
June 18
Arizona Governor candidates David Schweikert (R), Ken Miceli (R) and Scott Neely (R) joined Ted Simons to discuss issues in Arizona.
AZ Votes
For decades, Arizona PBS has been the place where Arizona voters turn to hear directly from candidates running for office.
Now, when reliable information on candidates is more important than ever, Arizona PBS provides our viewing public a new opportunity to hear directly from candidates in a format that highlights not only their political stances, but also reveals how candidates perform under pressure.
Arizona PBS’s “Candidates in Conservation” provides a forum for extended interviews amongst those running to represent Arizonans in various offices, with candidates facing off against each other in moderated conversations.
“Arizona Horizon” host Ted Simons conducted the conversations, bringing together candidates for an office to discuss the issues that matter most to Arizona voters, such as the economy, immigration and more. Simon’s extensive experience as a political journalist and host ensured candidates were given fair treatment while keeping the focus of the conversations on factual information that matters to Arizonans.
Every attempt was made to bring as many candidates running for federal and statewide offices this year to “Candidates in Conversation” to provide viewers with the most complete view possible of those who want their support.
For more information about public affairs and Arizona politics, watch “Arizona Horizon” weeknights at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., and stay tuned for more news and election coverage on air or on our YouTube news channel, AZPBS Now, or catch full “Arizona Horizon” episodes online later or on the PBS app.
Ted Simons
Ted Simons is the award-winning host and managing editor of “Arizona Horizon,” the nightly public affairs show on Arizona PBS. Simons moderates discussions with government officials, business leaders and policy makers about the issues, laws and policies that affect Arizonans in their everyday lives.
According to Simons, a lot has changed since he first took the reins of "Arizona Horizon" in late 2007.
"The journalism landscape has changed in many ways," said Simons. "Social media is an undeniable and unavoidable force in disseminating information as well as a major factor in the persistent spread of disinformation."
Despite the challenges facing journalism today, Arizona PBS' News and Public Affairs team remains steadfast in its commitment to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, credibility, inclusion, and impartiality.
"One thing that hasn't changed over the years is our focus on broadcasting balanced, in-depth interviews on public policy issues of import to our viewers," said Simons.
For Simons, his sense of duty to provide a public service and bring clarity to voters remains unchanged. "It's our job to get past the talking points and self-promoting and have those running for office explain their positions."