THE APEX TIMES
The debate will be moderated by Estill County High School junior Lincoln Wilburn, not WKYT’s Bill Bryant or Amber Philpott.
A 6th District debate between candidates Dembo and Alvarado will be moderated by Lincoln Wilburn, an Estill County High School junior, WKYT reported on Thursday. WKYT said the event will not be moderated by its own Bill Bryant or Amber Philpott, marking a change from earlier expectations for a local broadcast-media moderator.
According to WKYT, Wilburn has been chosen as moderator for a debate that multiple news outlets across central Kentucky sought to host. WKYT did not detail the selection process in its report, but the decision places a student moderator at the center of a public forum focused on the 6th District campaign.
The debate is expected to proceed with Wilburn serving as the presiding figure for candidate questions and discussion, according to WKYT’s announcement. As moderator, Wilburn would be responsible for maintaining the event structure, managing the flow of questions, and ensuring that both candidates have an opportunity to respond within the debate format.
WKYT’s report ties the moderator choice to Estill County specifically, with Wilburn identified as a junior at Estill County High School. The decision also keeps the event rooted in central Kentucky community participation, with a local student selected rather than a veteran television reporter.
The shift away from WKYT’s on-air reporters is notable for viewers who may associate televised debates with traditional media hosts. In this case, the station said the debate will be moderated by Wilburn instead of Bryant or Philpott, which could affect how the event is framed and paced for an audience accustomed to broadcast journalism roles.
The announcement underscores the public-facing role of school-age residents during election season, especially in contests that draw scrutiny from multiple outlets. With Wilburn selected to moderate, families in Estill County and surrounding areas will have a direct connection to the debate’s central proceedings.
WKYT’s report did not provide additional specifics about debate logistics, timing, or location. Residents seeking to attend or watch the event will need to rely on later announcements from the organizers and participating outlets for the venue details and broadcast or livestream instructions.
