wfn.org | Episcopalians: General Convention Press Alert

[dmack@episcopalchurch.org]

April 22, 2003

2003-086

Episcopalians: General Convention Press Alert

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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