BRISTOL, R.I., Oct. 2008 – Blogs, online newspapers and other emerging news media are affecting the 2008 U.S. presidential election in ways some might never have imagined. As Election Day approaches, veteran CNN journalist Frank Sesno will visit Roger Williams University to discuss the changing role of the media in elections from past to present.

Mr. Sesno will visit the University as part of its Civil Discourse lecture series on Tuesday, Oct. 14, to discuss the impact of “gotcha journalism,” emerging media and other related trends on the 2008 presidential campaign. “The American Presidency” is the theme for this fall’s Civil Discourse lecture series.

“We all rely on media reports for news from the campaign trail, and how information is relayed can directly impact election results,” said University President Roy J. Nirschel. “Understanding the media’s influence can further empower voters, including college and university students, to make informed decisions come November.”

An internationally recognized journalist with more than 30 years experience reporting from around the world, Mr. Sesno is best known for his work as an anchor, White House correspondent and talk show host with CNN. He has interviewed business and government leaders from around the world, including five U.S. presidents, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Mr. Sesno is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has won many prestigious journalistic awards including a national and a regional Emmy; several CableAce awards; and an Overseas Press Club Award. He also serves as a professor of media and public affairs at George Washington University.

The presentation will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the University’s Recreation Center Gymnasium on the Bristol Campus at One Old Ferry Road. The event is free, and limited tickets are available to the public. For more information or to reserve a ticket, call (401) 254-3067.