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General Convention Press Alert
Episcopal News Service
Issue:
Section:
2003-086
Posted: Tuesday, April 22, 2003
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The Office of News and Information is now accepting applications for press credentials for the July 30-August 8 General Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The application is available on-line at www.episcopalchurch.org/ens.
In keeping with procedures established for previous General Conventions, no more than two applications will be considered from any publication, agency or organization, thus making it possible to simultaneously cover both the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. Additional staff may register as visitors, giving them access to both houses but not to the press room or press seating in the houses.
'We have made some significant changes in how the press room operates,' said James Solheim, director of ENS. 'It is a much more electronic, computer-driven environment.' For example, the main distribution of news stories and releases will be on the new service's web page and sent through its e-mail subscriber list. 'That provides a much quicker delivery system since reporters won't need to wait until the releases are printed and put in their mail boxes. They will be available as soon as the news team finishes them and posts them electronically,' he said. Texts of major speeches and sermons may also be available on-line.
The working press room will have several monitors and a printer available for those who are not using portable computers or for those who want to print a copy of a particular story or document. 'And once again we will have monitors to follow sessions of both houses and also one for tracking legislation,' Solheim added.
Briefing officers for both houses will be available at 8:30 each morning the convention is in session to help reporters follow the agenda and offer background and some analysis. There will be a regularly scheduled press conference at 1:30 each afternoon and occasional spot news conferences on timely issues on the agenda of the convention. As in the past, church leaders will be available for an opening and closing press conference.
One new feature at the Minneapolis convention is an evening news video program, broadcast through the cable television systems in the convention hotels. The program will be coordinated by Dan England, director of communications, who will work with a team of church video professionals.
Updates on the convention program will appear on ENS. In the meantime, if there are any questions about the accreditation process contact Jim Solheim or Jan Nunley in the ENS office
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| © 2004, The Episcopal Church, USA. Episcopal News Service content may be reprinted without permission as long as credit is given to ENS. |
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