New York, November 1, 2017 — Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) and Free Speech TV (FSTV)  co-hosted a “health care for all” town hall that will air on Wednesday, November 8th at 8pm ET on both MNN-FSTV (Spectrum channel 1301 and FiOS channel 39 for Manhattan viewers or streaming online worldwide at mnn.org) and Free Speech TV (DISH 9415, DIRECTV 348 or streaming on Roku, Amazon Fire, Android TV and freespeech.org).

New York, November 1, 2017 — Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) and Free Speech TV (FSTV)  co-hosted a “health care for all” town hall that will air on Wednesday, November 8th at 8pm ET on both MNN-FSTV (Spectrum channel 1301 and FiOS channel 39 for Manhattan viewers or streaming online worldwide at mnn.org) and Free Speech TV (DISH 9415, DIRECTV 348 or streaming on Roku, Amazon Fire, Android TV and freespeech.org).

Led by veteran journalist Laura Flanders and produced by Globalvision, “What’s at Stake? Health Care for All” features a panel of experts who discuss single-payer health care options. Featured panelists include:

•        Joshua Holland, Contributing Writer, The Nation
•        Nina Turner, President, Our Revolution
•        Donna Smith, Executive Director, Progressive Democrats of America

Following failed Republican attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, President Trump issued an executive order to sabotage his predecessor’s signature policy victory by terminating the health care subsidies that underlie the program.

Amidst all the activity on the Right to dismantle Obamacare, leaders on the Left are now pushing their own alternative: universal health care. Last month, US Senator Bernie Sanders introduced his “Medicare for All” legislation, backed by 16 co-sponsors, including NY Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Some progressives, however, have expressed reservations about the proposal.

Turner and Smith have argued in favor of the Sanders legislation, while Holland expressed concern in his op-ed “Medicare-for-All Isn’t the Solution for Universal Health Care” in The Nation.

The town hall was taped in front of a live audience at the MNN El Barrio Firehouse Community Media Center in East Harlem, where guests had the opportunity to ask the panel questions.

“With the country mired in a decisive health care debate, this special program offers a more nuanced look at options that could provide truly universal coverage for all Americans,” said Ron Williams, Executive Director of Free Speech TV.

“This forum for constructive, thoughtful debate demonstrates the important value that independent media organizations can bring to truly democratic public discourse,” offered MNN President and CEO Dan Coughlin.

“What’s at Stake: Health Care for All” will premiere on Wednesday, November 8th at 8pm ET on MNN-FSTV (Spectrum 1301 and FiOS channel 39 for Manhattan viewers or streaming live online worldwide at mnn.org) and on Free Speech TV (DISH 9415, DIRECTV 348 or streaming on Roku, Amazon Fire, Android TV and freespeech.org). Immediately following the broadcast, FSTV will host a live Twitter Chat from 9:00-9:30 pm with some of the panelists from the Town Hall, using hashtag #WhatsAtStake. Encore broadcasts are scheduled for:

• Thursday, 11/9/17 @ 4:00 pm ET
• Friday, 11/10 @ 11:00 pm ET
• Saturday, 11/11 @ 2:00 am ET
• Sunday, 11/12@ 11:00 am and 5:00 pm ET
• Thursday, 11/16 @ 8:00 pm ET
• Sunday, 11/19 @ 5:00 pm ET
• Wednesday, 11/22 @ 8:00 pm ET
• Saturday, 11/25 @ 4:00 am and 9:00 pm ET
• Sunday, 11/26 @ 10:00 am and 8:00 pm ET

About Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Founded in 1992, Manhattan Neighborhood Network is New York City’s free public-access cable network. Operating seven channels (Community, Lifestyle, Spirit, Culture, HD Community, MNN-FSTV and NYXT.nyc) and reaching over 600,000 cable subscribers in the Manhattan area, MNN is the largest public-access cable network in the nation, with programs airing in more than 40 languages. Find MNN on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and at mnn.org.

In 2012, MNN opened a state-of-the-art community media center at the old Engine Co. 53 Firehouse on East 104th Street in East Harlem. The facility features three HD production studios, including a three-camera studio, as well as editing services and a Youth Media Center.  The Firehouse offers classes in English and Spanish and hosts community events throughout the year.

MNN also produces the cable and digital channel NYXT.nyc (pronounced next dot n.y.c.). Presented in partnership with more than 60 Manhattan community-based organizations, NYXT.nyc shines a spotlight on groups that are working to connect people and build neighborhoods. NYXT.nyc is available on TWC 1992, FiOS 38, and online at nyxt.nyc.

About Free Speech TV

Free Speech TV is a national, independent, nonprofit news network committed to advancing progressive social change.  As the alternative to media networks owned by billionaires, governments, and corporations, Free Speech TV elevates unique perspectives through daily news programs, independent documentaries and special events coverage.

Free Speech TV reaches over 38 million households nationally on DISH (channel 9415), DIRECTV (348), and over 150 community cable affiliates. Free Speech TV streams live at freespeech.org and is available on Roku, Amazon Fire and Android TV.  Free Speech TV believes a more just and democratic world is possible when the media empowers people with the information they need to fight for what matters.

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