Breaking News: Covering the 2000 Presidential Election
Distinguished panel will discuss media impact throughout election

Contact: Aaron M. Brown, 740-589-6559 or aaron.brown@ohiou.edu

ATHENS, Ohio (February 22, 2001) -- In one of the most captivating elections ever held in the United States, the media took the world on a rollercoaster ride that forever changed the way elections will be covered.

As top executives of major news organizations currently debate this issue on Capitol Hill, a distinguished panel of journalists will be in Athens to discuss "Breaking News: Covering the Presidential Election of 2000." The panel will take place Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism Cortland Anderson Auditorium.

The panel will tackle the topics of media coverage of the campaigns, media coverage throughout Election Day and the Florida recount. Panelists include:

• Andy Alexander, bureau chief, Cox Newspapers Washington Bureau
• John Fortney, anchor/reporter, Ohio News Network
• Joe Hallett, politics editor, The Columbus Dispatch
• Bill Hershey, Columbus bureau chief, Dayton Daily News
• David Wells, associate editorial page editor, Cincinnati Enquirer

The Ohio University Society of Professional Journalists and the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism Society of Alumni and Friends are sponsoring the event. All are invited to attend this panel that will cover a part of American history that forever changed the American election process.

The Ohio University Society of Professional Journalists prepares student journalists beyond the classroom. Programs provide career connections, networking opportunities, interview advice, discussions on media ethics and tips from professionals. The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism Society of Alumni and Friends provides quarterly programming for students, bringing alumni and friends to Athens as a resource for job-hunting, mentoring and information on a variety of topics.