AUBURN, Ala. – The Auburn Network announced its coverage schedule for the 2025 Opelika municipal elections on Friday. NewsTalk WANI will hold a candidate forum on Aug. 21 as well as election day coverage on Aug. 26. Each program will air from 7-9 p.m. CT.
“We embrace the opportunity to keep the community involved in local elections and local election coverage,” said Auburn Network director of operations Ben Taylor. “I’m a firm believer that local elections impact where we live and work much more than both state and general elections. The folks voted into office locally are so easily accessible compared to those at the state and federal level. That’s why we want to be a part of local forums as well as inform the community of local results on election night.”
Taylor will moderate the Opelika Municipal Candidates forum live from the Auburn Network studios in Auburn, Alabama, on Aug. 21. All qualified candidates that have accepted the invitation to participate will receive questions regarding their respective policy positions and opinions on city-related issues. Candidates for each city council seat will be featured, and the program will conclude with the mayoral candidates. The forum will run from 7-9 p.m. CT.
On election day, Aug. 26, Taylor and Riley Hubbard will anchor three hours of live election results coverage from 7-9 p.m. CT. NewsTalk WANI will provide up-to-the-minute coverage on results as they are posted from each polling location throughout the evening. Taylor and Hubbard will also speak with election officials and winning candidates as each race is called.
“I’ve had the opportunity to cover local, state and federal elections on NewsTalk WANI for over a decade, and I’m excited to bring the latest results to Opelikans once again this year,” said Hubbard. “Citizens rely on WANI as the only source of live election results for municipal elections, and it is an honor for us to have the opportunity to serve the community by providing it.
“In an election year with the incumbent mayor not featured on the ballot and each ward being contested, it is sure to include many close races and a lot of local interest. Election night shows are one of the most enjoyable to be a part of and the same will be true in 2025!”
Both live broadcasts will air locally on NewsTalk WANI, 98.7 FM and 1400 AM, online at NewsTalkWANI.com and the RadioAlabama app. Video streaming of both programs will also be available on the NewsTalk WANI Facebook page.
In addition to the two special broadcasts, the Auburn Network will continue to cover news and interviews related to the municipal elections on its signature program, Auburn/Opelika This Morning, each weekday morning from 6-9 a.m. CT on NewsTalk WANI leading up to election day.
