WROC-TV apologizes for losing part of Cuomo vs Nixon debate feed

From staff reports | Democrat and Chronicle

Rochester-area viewers lost part of the feed Wednesday night from the Democratic gubernatorial debate between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and challenger Cynthia Nixon.

The hourlong debate, held in Hempstead on Long Island, was supposed to be broadcast on CBS-affiliated channels statewide. WROC-TV (Channel 8) in Rochester did air most of the debate, but it encountered technical difficulties. The station said it would rebroadcast the debate Friday morning.

Wendy A. Bello, vice president and general manager of the station, issued a statement Thursday that read, in part:

"Last evening News 8 WROC experienced technical issues while broadcasting the live gubernatorial debate between Cuomo and Nixon. We regret that due to the inclement weather that came through the Rochester area during the 7 pm hour we lost our satellite signal for approximately 1 minute at 7:17 pm and again for 7 minutes at 7:36 pm. Understanding that News 8 WROC was the only television station in the Rochester market to bring you this event both on-air, we sincerely apologize for the interruptions. News 8 will rebroadcast the debate in its entirety on Friday, August 31 from 9-10 am. We also have the debate on our website at RochesterFirst.com."

Includes reporting by Albany Bureau correspondent Jon Campbell.