Being an informed voter – and citizen – might seem easier today than ever before given the number of news and political sources available. But there’s also a risk of being exposed to only a single opinion or viewpoint.  

That is why two political leaders from different sides of the aisle say KET is essential for providing facts on the issues important to Kentuckians while giving voice to a variety of perspectives.

“You can get news anywhere nowadays, but a lot of the time there’s really no check on what’s considered news and what’s considered opinion,” said Colmon Elridge, chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party. “What distinguishes KET is there’s an integrity to the work. KET really does care about getting it right. And KET’s values don’t shift based on the political climate. If you’re a voter in Kentucky, you know you can come to KET and get a non-biased take on what’s going on in Frankfort and across the Commonwealth.”

J. McCauley “Mac” Brown, chairman of the Republican Party of Kentucky, agreed.

“KET programs, such as Kentucky Tonight and Comment on Kentucky, work hard to bring out all sides of the story, which gives people better insight on the issues so they can make up their own minds,” Brown said. “That’s really important in today’s world because there’s far too much commentary and not nearly enough discussion of the facts.”

As election day draws near, the two party leaders say it’s important that Kentucky voters not only understand the issues facing the Commonwealth but also get to know their elected officials. KET’s coverage of the General Assembly provides a front-row seat to the activity in Frankfort, they said, and its public affairs programs, such as Kentucky Edition and Kentucky Tonight, offer important context and a variety of perspectives on the week’s top stories.

“KET has great coverage, and it really enables you to be there, seeing government in action,” said Brown, adding that he uses KET to stay on top of what’s happening in Frankfort while he travels throughout the state. “I am constantly tuning in to see what’s going on and understand how bills are being moved or what’s being said. KET’s coverage helps Kentuckians get to know their leaders, which is so important for us all because what happens in Frankfort affects all our lives, every day.”

Elridge, who grew up watching KET’s Al Smith and Bill Goodman and credits KET’s public affairs programs for cultivating his love of politics, said KET continues to be an indispensable part of his weekly routine.

“For staying connected on what’s going on politically in Kentucky and the country, KET is essential,” Elridge said. “And as chairman, I consider KET must-watch television because you get to see how local and world events are shaping politics and policy in Frankfort. And that access allows us all of us to make more informed decisions about who we vote for.”

Both Brown and Elridge also say they value KET’s statewide take on the issues, adding that Kentucky’s size and geographic and economic diversity sometimes make it difficult for the various regions of the state to come together.

“One of the beautiful things about KET and programs like Kentucky Tonight is that it’s a public forum for the state,” Brown said. “People like to say the divide in Kentucky is between Republicans and Democrats, but it’s truly more of a rural vs. urban divide. And it’s not that one side is right or wrong, but rather that they have different problems. So we need to respect the fact that these problems exist and figure out how we can work together. And KET works hard to do that, providing a tremendous public service to Kentucky.”