When is the first debate between Joe Biden, Donald Trump? Date, time, moderator, where to watch

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump agreed Wednesday to debate each other twice, once in June and again in September.

Biden began the day challenging Trump to two debates under his terms, bucking the format of the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, the traditional host of the televised events. CNN announced it will host the June debate in Atlanta and ABC announced it will host the September debate.

Trump agreed to both debates in social media posts. His campaign called for additional debates in July and August.

The agreement sets the stage for the earliest televised general election debate since the tradition started in 1960, USA TODAY previously reported, while also removing any debates during the homestretch of the campaign in October, when people in many states are already voting. 

Here's what you need to know about the first debate, including the date, time and how to watch it.

Upcoming presidential debates:Biden and Trump agree to two televised debates, bucking commission

When is the first Biden-Trump debate?

The first debate will be held on June 27, 2024 and is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET.

What channel is the first Biden-Trump debate on?

CNN announced Wednesday it will host the first election debate between the two candidates in its Atlanta studio.

Who are the moderators for the first Biden-Trump debate?

According to CNN, anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will serve as the moderators for the debate. The network also announced that no audience will be present "to ensure candidates may maximize the time allotted in the debate."

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What are the qualifications to participate in the first debate?

To qualify for participation, candidates must meet the following criteria, according to CNN:

• Fulfill the requirements outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution
• File a Statement of Candidacy with the Federal Election Commission
• A candidate's name must appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold to win the presidency prior to the eligibility deadline
• Agree to accept the rules and format of the debate
• Receive at least 15% in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters that meet CNN's standards for reporting.

The polling window to determine eligibility for the debate opened March 13, 2024, and closes seven days before the date of the debate, according to CNN.

Contributing: Francesca Chambers, Joey Garrison and David Jackson, USA TODAY

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.