California Insider

A Weblog by
Sacramento Bee Columnist Daniel Weintraub

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September 24, 2003

Live from debate central

If the debate stories you read in your morning papers tomorrow seem a little cranky, here's why: the press facilities at the Sacramento State University debate hall are, well, less than ideal. The debate organizers have issued credentials to more than 500 media members from around the world. But the press room has space for only 50 or 60 reporters to work. Phone lines and power outlets are relatively scarce, and almost all the working space was taken before 4 p.m. To make matters worse, cell phones don't seem to be working inside the room. Say what you want about the press corps being spoiled and pampered, but when you invite folks to your place to do their job, you ought to provide the basic tools they need to work. Fortunately, your blogger arrived early and secured a prime spot, and with the help of an industrious colleague and a Sacramento State student, managed to tap into an unadvertised university wireless network. So no complaints here. But I'm feeling their pain.

UPDATE: I am told by a refugee from the overflow room that there is more space in the basement of the university library. But phone lines are going fast there as well. I still say: the crankiness quotient is and will be on the high side.