The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) provided funding for local public television stations to broadcast political debates prior to the 1998 election; CPB commissioned research to determine how the programs aided viewers in the election process. Viewers of the public television station local debate night program found the program to be of value in helping them to become more informed voters, in learning more than they learned in other media, and in increasing their knowledge of the candidates and the issues. Four local areas were chosen for the project; a total of 397 viewers completed interviews. This report discusses responses to pre-viewing questions, viewing the debate, post-viewing comparisons, perceived value of viewing the debates, and change in voting preference. (AEF)