September 23, 2003

Media information: Sept. 24 recall debate coverage

At least 500 media personnel from more than 100 outlets are expected to cover the Sept. 24 recall debate from California State University, Sacramento. It promises to be an exciting and somewhat chaotic day.

For media arriving early, stand-ups and interviews may be done at Serna Plaza adjacent to the University Union or any other public area of campus. Also, there will be three briefings by CSUS and other Capital Region experts on topics related to the recall from 2 to 4 p.m. in the University Library room 11. Topics will include: Recall 101; what each candidate needs to do to “win” the debate; and a review of debate questions. The briefings are open to the media and the public. After the briefings, Library room 11 will serve as the overflow media room, with live feeds of the debate and post-debate press conferences.

Although circumstances will likely change throughout the day, here are some general tips for media planning to cover the event:

• The debate venue is the University Ballroom within the University Union. It is open to invited guests only, including more than 150 CSUS students. Pool footage will be provided by Pacific Satellite Network and pool photography will be provided by the Associated Press.
• Media inquiries may be directed to staff at the media room – located in the Union Redwood Room – or at Serna Plaza next to the Union.
• Satellite coordinates have changed. Television primary satellite coordinates: KU-Band Analog, Galaxy 11, Transponder K16, DLF 12018 Vertical, Audio Subcarriers 6.2 = English and 6.8 = Spanish. Television back-up satellite coordinates: C-Band Analog, Galaxy 4R, Transponder 23, DLF 4160 Horizontal - Audio Subcarriers 6.2 = English and 6.8 = Spanish. Radio satellite coordinates: AMC8, Transponder 23, Satsvcs 06 L/R, Left channel = English Right channel = Spanish. Radio program is also available on AT&T telephone bridges, English dial (888) 273-9885, Spanish dial (800) 450-0788. Transmission starts at 5:45 p.m.
• Parking for media trucks only will be in lot 6 next to the University Union. Media passenger vehicles may park in the south part of campus – place a business card or other identifier on dash. Maps and directions are available at drive-up booths at both campus entrances or by clicking “About CSUS” at www.csus.edu.
• There will be a designated media area at Serna Plaza, immediately adjacent to the University Union. Reporters are also free to go to any of the public areas of the Union and the rest of campus to conduct interviews, etc.
• Officials from political parties, CSUS and the Broadcasters Association, as well as experts in California politics, are expected to be available to speak with reporters at Serna Plaza before the debate and in the lobby area near the media room after the debate.
• Candidate supporters and protestors are expected to be near Serna Plaza and on the other side of the Union near the University Library.
• Only media credentialed in advance will have access to the media room –in the University Union Redwood Room – and to the expected post-debate press conferences with candidates. It will be open from noon to 10 p.m. An overflow media room with monitors showing the debate and follow-up press conferences will be available to reporters with current CHP, Governor’s Office or similar credentials.

Technical and other questions: Vic Biondi at (916) 967-0990. Trouble number is (916) 446-7890, and emergency secondary trouble number is (916) 806-7496.

CSUS public affairs: (916) 278-6156 and www.csus.edu/news. Staff at media room and Serna Plaza the day of debate. Maps and directions: Click “About CSUS” at www.csus.edu.

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