Media Frenzy During McCain Announcement

What an afternoon here when McCain announced he wanted to delay the debate. The media tent finally started hopping as many journalists and more photojournalists flooded into the Filing Center to shoot photographs of everyone gathered around the hundreds of TV monitors here.

We assisted the University in issuing a statement to media and distributing that statement worldwide. The university is ready for the debate. I’m posting a photo of some of the frenzy in the tent in the last hour. Thanks to Kristin for helping me blast information to tens of thousands of journalists. She’s a pro.

Inside the Debate Hall as the Lighting is Prepared for Friday Evening

Today began with planning meetings for everyone working with PR and Media for Ole Miss. The group toured the area around the Ford Center to point out work stations for networks and local media. We spent a good deal of time getting acquainted with the Media Filing Center, which is where reporters will work in one giant, temporary office. It seats 800 journalists, with 30 booth spaces (also called spin alley).

I was lucky enough to receive a hug from the Chancellor today while we worked part of the time in his offices at the Lyceum building on campus. He’s so excited about the debate … much like my kids on Christmas morning.

This afternon, Mary Stanton and I walked through the network office area, which is about 10 temporary office trailers brought in to the Ford Center parking lot. (These will house CNN, CBS, C-SPAN, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, and the BBC.) We will work with the network producers on possible stories about Ole Miss and the faculty/student community. In PR, this is our Super Bowl. I’ve worked with network TV folks for years, but usually as one of “them.” It is a unique opportunity to use my background as a journalist to potentially affect the stories which will be broadcast around the world. Millions of people will watch debate-related network coverage of stories that we will have helped made possible. We get the unique opportunity to give the “Did you know that Ole Miss …” pitch in person, molding the impression of the university for years to come.

We also got a peek at what’s going on inside of the Ford Center (debate hall) today. I’ll post those pictures, as well. Stay tuned, much more excitement in the hours ahead!

Media Filing Center

Excitement and anticipation are in the air here in Oxford. If you have never been to the Ole Miss campus, it is truly breathtaking. You’ve probably heard the stories of tailgating in the Grove (of ancient oak trees) before football games. I can understand why. The entire campus is a beautiful place, perfect for the gathering of students and the Ole Miss community. What a place for the first presidential debate: a university with unrivaled beauty and grace.

The Ford Center, where the actual debate takes place, is just down the street from the Grove. And, already the street in front of the Ford Center is blocked for media technical set-up. There are platforms built along the sidewalks in front of the Ford Center, where reporters will report live later in the week.

We toured the Media Filing Center, which is the “temporary tent” where media file their stories. It’s really not a tent.. it’s huge. Inside are hundreds of work stations where reporters can set up their computers and equipment. From what I understand, after the debate is over on Friday night, the Filing Center turns into a bit of a wild place, as both parties parade their people into the center for live interviews.

Already, the hospitality Mississippi is so famous for is showing. From the banners and signs posted throughout campus to students saying “Hi” to us, Ole Miss is opening its doors to those of us who don’t live and work here every day.

This afternoon, we discussed the PR strategies we will use to reach out to national and international media who are arriving in the next 48 hours. It’s going to be a pretty exciting place by Friday. So far, Fox & Friends (Fox network’s morning show), CBS Early Show and all the local (Jackson, Memphis) media are broadcasting live morning shows from the Grove. Already, we saw Jackson and Memphis TV news staff reporting live at 6pm today. This is a huge local story for both markets.

Tomorrow, we have a tour of the working media area scheduled, as well as a large staff meeting for all of us who will have any contact with media folks. ‘Til then, goodnight, y’all.