Archived press releases

MSWord    Printer-friendly version

WPT Takes U.S. Senate Candidates on the Road to Meet With Citizens Face-to-Face

May 6, 2004

For More Information:

Moira Harrington, promotion manager, (608) 265-3853

Kathy Bissen, executive producer of news and public affairs, (608) 263-8496

Increasingly during the election season, people only see candidates for major offices on their television screens appearing in 15- or 30-second ads, or through news broadcast sound bites.

In an effort to broaden the sweep of candidate interaction with real people in real settings, Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) -- along with partners in the We the People civic journalism project -- takes U.S. Senate candidates on the road for face-to-face meetings with people across the state. The interactions will air mid-May through mid-June.

Called 'Where in Wisconsin,' We the People will determine destinations. Once there, candidates will participate in unscripted events with groups of potential voters. As they set out, the destinations and topics of discussion will be unknown to the candidates -- four Republican challengers and the incumbent Democrat, U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold.

The segments will air on WPT's weekly newsmagazine, In Wisconsin, hosted by Patty Loew. The segments all air at 7 p.m. Thursdays on May 13, 20 and 27, and June 10 and 17.

Here and Now will present portions of the segments, along with commentary from people who met the candidate on the trip.

Here and Now, WPT's live weekly news program, airs at 7 p.m. Fridays. Its 'Where in Wisconsin' segments will run on May 14, 21 and 28, and June 11 and 18.

'As we did in 2002 with the governor's race, we're proud to again present the 'Where in Wisconsin' series,' said Kathy Bissen, WPT's executive producer of news and public affairs. 'The segments can help voters gain insight into who they think should represent Wisconsin in a powerful legislative body of only 100 members. 'Where in Wisconsin' moves beyond the pre-packaged candidate sound bites and carefully crafted messages into the realm of unscripted trial by fire across the state and with real people.'

'Where in Wisconsin' reports also will be on Wisconsin Public Radio, WISC-TV/Madison and in the Wisconsin State Journal.

We the People/Wisconsin is a multimedia partnership that aims to reconnect citizens with public life through town meetings, candidate and issue forums and citizen-based reporting. Participating in We the People are Wisconsin Public Television, Wisconsin Public Radio, the Wisconsin State Journal, WISC-TV/Madison and Wood Communications Group.

We the People/Wisconsin does not advocate for any candidate, political party or movement. It advocates for readers, viewers and listeners by serving as a channel for conversations between citizens and public officials throughout Wisconsin.

In 2004, WPT celebrates 50 years of service to Wisconsin individuals and families. WHA-TV, Madison, signed on the air on May 3, 1954.

WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV/DT, Madison; WPNE-TV/DT, Green Bay; WHRM-TV/DT, Wausau; WLEF-TV/DT, Park Falls; WHLA-TV/DT, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV/DT, Menomonie-Eau Claire.