Ohio State to set up media center for election 2004

COLUMBUS - As the eyes of the nation turn to Ohio as a deciding force in the 2004 election, Ohio State will make university experts available in one location for interviews and analysis throughout Election Day, Nov. 2, and into the early hours of the following morning if necessary.

The University’s “Election Central,” which will originate from the WOSU Stations, 2400 Olentangy River Road, will offer space for working print and electronic journalists and access to faculty experts in elections and election law in one location for studio interviews and satellite uplinks. Election Central will provide phone and internet hookups as well as access to satellite uplinks, cable and ISDN lines.

Media interested in scheduling an interview should call 1-650-787-8708. Bookings will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in reserving work or interview space at Election Central should contact Bill Scannell at 650-787-8708 or bill@scannell.org

Five experts on election law as well as political science analysts will be available for interviews. Experts will include Professors Edward Foley and Daniel Tokaji from the Moritz College of Law. Foley, Tokaji and their colleagues are part of the Moritz College of Law election law project, “Election Law @ Moritz” http://www.electionlawnews.com. It is a key resource for media interested in potential legal issues in the election, including absentee ballots, provisional voting, challenges to voter eligibility and recounts.

WHAT: Ohio State offers one-stop interview site for media covering legal and political issues surrounding the election

WHEN: Election Day (11/2), 6 a.m. through at least 2 a.m. Nov. 3.

Where: Studios \'A\' and \'B\' at WOSU, 2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1027, across from the Schottenstein Center.

Directions: http://www.osu.edu/map/linkbuildings/fawcettcenter.html

HOW: Media may work directly from Election Central or schedule a time to interview an expert. Bookings are done on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accreditation: Begins at 1 p.m., 11/1 at WOSU

Technical Details: Uplink facilities, phone lines, broad band internet access, parking bays for broadcast trucks and radio facilities are available. Food and coffee will be provided.