DEFENSE DEPARTMENT'S CLARKE TO SPEAK AT ODU

Defense department spokesperson Victoria "Torie" Clarke will headline a panel of local print and television reporters on
media coverage of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, in the Mills Godwin Jr. Life Sciences Building auditorium at Old Dominion University.

The panel is free and open to the public and parking is available near the building at 43rd Street and Bluestone Avenue. Other panelists will include Matt Dolan of The Virginian-Pilot, Stephanie Sy of WTKR, Mike Gooding of WVEC and Patty Culhane of WAVY.

Clarke has won praise for encouraging media access to top officials and for spearheading the initiative to embed reporters with U.S. combat forces. She has also being mentioned as a possible successor to departing White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer.

The program, titled "Frontlines to Headlines: Covering the War in Iraq-Spin or Substance," is being sponsored by Unity, a group of journalists and community members; the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads; Old Dominion; the City of Virginia Beach; Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals; and WHRO. Cathy Lewis from WHRV is moderating.

First-come, first-served seating is limited.

For more information, call 446-2622 or email mizanur.rahman@pilotonline.com.