USCCB - (Office of Media Relations)

Memorandum

WASHINGTON (June 7, 2002) – Memorandum for all News Media Outlets.

DATE: June 7, 2002
TO: News Media
FROM: USCCB Department of Communications
RE: U.S. Bishops' meeting, June 13-15
Fairmont Hotel, Dallas

June 11
1 p.m.-7 p.m. Credential pickup

June 12
9 a.m. - 9. p.m. Credential pick-up
9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Media Center open, interview desks open
3:00 p.m. Media briefing With Bishop Gregory
6:30 p.m. Media Briefing with Ad Hoc Committee
8 p.m. Media Briefing on Canon Law

June 13
8 a.m. Credential Pickup
8 a.m. Media Center, interview desks open
9 a.m. Meeting opens in Regency Ballroom
12:30 p.m. Break for lunch
2:00 p.m. Executive Session (Meeting closed to media, observers, guests, staff)

Media Briefings
1:00 p.m. Psychological Aspects of Sexual Abuse.
2:00 p.m. Response to Victims
3:00 p.m. The Catholic Dollar
4:00 p.m Prevention Programs
5:00 p.m. News Conference with Bishop Wilton Gregory

June 14
8:00 a.m. Media Center opens, Interview Desks open
8:00 a.m. Credential Desk opens
9:00 a.m. Meeting Opens
12:30 p.m. News Conference
2:00 p.m. Afternoon session opens
5:00 p.m. News Conference
7:00 p.m. Mass

June 15
9:00 a.m. Bishops' Morning of Prayer

Note: Times of news conferences are subject to change.

The Media Center is in the International Ballroom. Journalists may pick up credentials at the Credentials Desk, outside the International Ballroom, Tuesday, 1 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.- 5p.m.

The telephone numbers for the Media Center are 214-720-7417, 214-720-7418 and 214-720-7419. General media inquiries should be directed to these numbers. Prior to the opening of the media center, media staff may be reached at(214-720-5393.

The Media Center will be open Wednesday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, from 8 a.m. and 9 p.m, as needed, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. News releases and other materials are distributed in the Media Center. Telephones, background materials and two fax machines will be on hand for the working press. Reporters may have their own dedicated phone lines installed by contacting the Fairmont Hotel directly.

Interviews can be arranged through the Interview Desks inside the Media Center.

Print interview desk: 214-720-5383 and 214-720-5384
TV interview desk: 214-720-5385 and 214-720-5386
Radio interview desk: 214-720-5387.

TELEPHONE
Long distance calls are collect/credit card only.

NEWS CONFERENCES
News conferences will be in the International Ballroom ten minutes after general sessions. Seminars and other media briefings, as needed, also will be held in International Ballroom. Information will be posted on other news conferences or briefings that may take place or on any other changes in the general schedule.

GENERAL MEETING
General sessions of the meeting will be held in the Regency Ballroom. Admission will be limited to 40 media. TV coverage of proceedings will be available in the Media Center.

BROADCAST, PHOTOGRAPHIC COVERAGE
TV and still camera coverage of the meeting with be by pool and should be carried out unobtrusively, with no disruption to the conduct of business by the bishops. Pool access is through NBC (Contact: Phil Alongi 212-664-5328) and EWTN (Contact Gary Gagnon, 205-795-5752.)
Movement within the meeting room is only with an escort.

STAFF
Media staff include Msgr. Francis Maniscalco, William Ryan, Sister Mary Ann Walsh, David Early, Mike Hurley, Soren Johnson, Karen Curtis, Birdie Newton and Mary Burroughs.