The Chron’s editorial page editor, John Diaz, says the paper is changing the way it interviews candidates who are seeking the paper’s endorsement. Instead of one-on-one interviews with major party candidates for statewide races, the paper is inviting them to participate in 60-minute debates before the Chron’s editorial board.

The debates will be captured on video by KPIX Channel 5 and streamed live over SFGate.com. They’ll also be available afterward on that site. The new policy will apply to the six “down ballot” statewide offices, but not the gubernatorial race, where each candidate will get a separate interview.

The first debate is scheduled for Thursday (Oct. 5) at 2 p.m. between attorney general candidates Jerry Brown and Charles Poochigian. Another is set for Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. between controller candidates Democrat John Chiang and Republican Tony Strickland. On Oct. 11 at 2 p.m, insurance commissioner candidates Republican Steve Poizner and Democrat Cruz Bustamante will debate.