Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 1, 1994 TAG: 9404010145
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Lon Wagner
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
WSLS-TV (Channel 10) is putting together a group of 25 to 30 people who will sit in the NBC affiliate's studio and join in the electronic meeting, WSLS General Manager Jim DeSchepper announced Thursday. Clinton will be answering questions from Charlotte, N.C., and audiences in Bristol and in Austin, Texas, also will participate.
The concept of an electronic town hall became popular during the 1992 presidential campaign, when independent candidate Ross Perot pledged to hold regular meetings via satellite if elected.
In this case, a moderator in Charlotte will field questions from not just the Charlotte audience, but from studio audiences in the other three cities. Channel 10 is sending anchor John Carlin to report from Charlotte, and anchor Kalley King will moderate in Roanoke.
"It's supposed to be wide open, as far as topics," DeSchepper said, "but I can't believe it won't get steered to health care."
DeSchepper pointed out the Clintons' continuing availability to the public when it comes to the health-care debate. Last week, Hillary Rodham Clinton provided Channel 10 with an interview by satellite.
"I think it's just his way of staying in touch with people," DeSchepper said. "They're making themselves very accessible to the media to discuss this."
WSLS will broadcast the town hall live, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.
by CNB