Sept. 4, 2001
CNN to Inaugurate Live Network TV
from MPA Building
“Crossfire” Returns to Campus for Engagement
in the Jack Morton Auditorium Sept. 17–21
By Greg
Licamele
The world will be watching GW the week of Sept. 17 as CNN’s “Crossfire”
comes to the Media and Public Affairs Building, bringing with it a parade
of politicians, pundits, and personalities.
The half-hour shows will mark the first live, global television productions
from the Jack Morton Auditorium, says Michael Freedman, vice president
for communications. “The week represents an historic moment for
GW. It is truly a win-win scenario for CNN and the University.”
Moderators Bill Press and Tucker Carlson will host the shows during
the week, interviewing policymakers and newsmakers about the political
issues of the day. They will also field questions from an audience of
GW community members.
“They love coming here and having a studio audience,” Freedman
says, “especially one comprising sharp young adults who ask tough
questions of the guests.” “Crossfire,” in its 19th year,
came to GW the first week of October 2000 when the first presidential
and vice presidential debates took place. Among the guests that week
on campus debating the merits of Bush v. Gore and Cheney v. Lieberman
were Sens. Dick Durbin (D–IL), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R–TX),
and Robert Torricelli (D–NJ), along with Reps. John Kasich (R–OH)
and Maxine Waters (D–CA).
As compared with Lisner Auditorium, the 258-seat MPA Auditorium will
provide a different setting for the world to watch and guests to experience.
“It is a more intimate venue,” Freedman says. “The audience
will be very close to the moderators and guests and you can feel the
electricity in the room when it’s full.”
Freedman adds that “Crossfire”
may serve as a catalyst for other national and global programs in the
MPA building. “We’ve had numerous inquiries about the venue
and we anticipate it’s going to be a very popular place for the
media in Washington.”
Tickets are free but required for admission. All studio audience members
will need to be seated by 6:30 each night for the live show beginning
at 7:30 pm. For further information, call 994-6460.
Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu
