ROANOKE TIMES

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, October 4, 1994                   TAG: 9410040072
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                 LENGTH: Medium


COKIE ROBERTS TO SPEAK

ABC News and National Public Radio correspondent Cokie Roberts will talk about "The Washington Merry-Go-Round" Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Virginia Tech's Burruss Auditorium. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Roberts is nationally known for her insightful perspective on Congress and the White House. Seventeen years as the lead journalist covering Congress for National Public Radio has resulted in a rare ability to be objective and tactful in the world of Washington politics, and has made her one of the most respected women in the industry.

"I think the impulse is to trash the Congress, to always tear down the institution," Roberts says. "I'm sorry. I just love the institution. I want it to be better."

Robert's has given comprehensive reports on voter concerns during presidential and congressional election campaigns. She has traveled thousands of miles and interviewed hundreds of citizens on issues such as the economy, the impact of women voters and the growing power of the people through political action committees.

In addition to her work for National Public Radio and ABC, Roberts can be seen on the television interview programs "This Week with David Brinkley," "Nightline," and "Good Morning America." She is the first broadcast journalist to win the prestigious Everett McKinley Dirkson Award, and was nominated for two Emmy Awards in the category of children's programming.

Roberts' appearance is sponsored by the Virginia Tech's Distinguished Speaker Series. Any person with a disability who desires assistance or accommodations should contact Shauna Bishop at 231-5397.



 by CNB