Open to Debate, the nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization restoring civil discourse to the public square, has received a Webby nomination for the episode debating the question “Should the Courts Restrict Access to the Abortion Pill?” Nominated the “Best Podcast Episode: News & Politics” category, the episode uses Open to Debates new “Mock Trial” format for legal debates, with a Petitioner, a Respondent, and a Judge (Moderator), as well as a few guests asking cross-examination questions. One component of the award is chosen by popular voting—vote for Open to Debate to win the Webby here.

Petitioning the (mock) court to defend the pill’s widespread availability was Julia Kaye, Senior Staff Attorney at the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project. Responding and arguing in favor of restricted access to the pill was Catherine Glenn Foster, Senior Fellow in Legal Policy at the Charlotte Lozier Institute.

Listen/Watch the Webby-nominated Abortion Pill episode here

In addition to the Best Podcast Episode nomination, the episode “Were Israel’s Actions in the Gaza War Justified? Eylon Levy vs. Mehdi Hasan,” which taped live in New York City last fall, was listed as a Webby Honoree in the category “Video & Film - Events & Live.”

The Webby honors comes on the heels of last month’s Gracie Award win for “Should We Address the Gender Wage Gap?,” an episode featuring six women, including Gracie-winning moderator Nayeema Raza. Learn more here.

ABOUT OPEN TO DEBATE

Open to Debate addresses a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. We are the nation's only nonpartisan, debate-driven media organization dedicated to bringing multiple viewpoints together for a constructive, balanced, respectful exchange of ideas. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues. We know debate works to find common ground: On average, 32% of the Open to Debate audience changes their mind on contentious topics after hearing a debate. That’s the power of debate done right, and at scale, it can change the direction we’re headed in America. Open to Debate is broadcast as a weekly public radio program, carried on NPR stations including WNYC (#1 in the nation). Open to Debate is made available as a podcast, video series, and digital platform, and records episodes with live audiences nationwide. Visit opentodebate.org to become a member, access an archive of more than 220 debates, and attend live events.

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