FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 29, 2008
Media contacts:
Marmillion + Company
John Hill
504-293-2610
504-756-0101 (cell)
talktojhill@aol.com
Mary Lousteau
202-387-8550
202-341-7227 (cell)
ml@mcopr.com
Google and YouTube
Phone: 202-346-1235
Email: nola-pr@google.com
New Orleans Consortium Hosts Presidential Forum Powered by Google and
YouTube
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- (April 29, 2008) -- Looking forward to the fall Presidential campaign, New Orleans and
Louisiana leaders today announce they are working with Google and YouTube to bring American voices into a forum
with Presidential nominees that will address critical issues for the nation's future.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and the New Orleans Consortium plan to host the
forum on September 18, 2008 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The forum will use Google
technology and the YouTube video platform to drive citizen engagement and to create a dynamic, compelling, and
constructive live television broadcast. The group announced the initiative today with a YouTube video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3p6Iwu4xMaY.
"We are working toward a New Louisiana – and I invite the Presidential nominees and the nation – to come see
firsthand the tremendous progress our state has made in the face of great challenges. I look forward to a discussion of
the many challenges facing not just New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, but our entire country," said Gov. Jindal.
Mayor Nagin agreed, saying, "The City of New Orleans, a window into the many challenges facing the country, makes
it the leading choice for a conversation with the nominees."
The New Orleans Consortium - comprised of civic organizations, business leaders and higher education institutions brings together citizens and leaders from New Orleans.
"This partnership grows out of the knowledge that students in our universities, and around this nation, want to be
engaged, supportive, informed and connected with serious discussion on issues destined to impact their future and this
nation, as well," said Dr. Norman Francis, President, Xavier University.
Throughout the 2008 campaigns, Google and YouTube harnessed technology to connect voters with candidates and
to informed participation in the political process.
"This election has shown the energy and ingenuity that everyday people can bring to the political dialogue. Voters
deserve the same chance to have their voices heard during the general election, and the forum in New Orleans will
provide an important way for citizens to be actively engaged," said Google Senior Vice President David Drummond.
YouTube Co-Founder Chad Hurley added, "YouTube's video community has brought the democratic dialogue in
America to a new level, and we're honored to help the New Orleans Consortium bring that platform to New Orleans, a
city that has shown true fortitude in the face of immense challenges."
About The New Orleans Consortium
The New Orleans Consortium is composed of the Women of the Storm with the Greater New Orleans Foundation,
Dillard University, Loyola University, Tulane University and Xavier University. The Consortium is committed to
advancing education in the New Orleans community and providing public exposure to rebuilding in the Gulf Region.
About Google Inc.
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day.
Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all
major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results,
while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout
the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.
About YouTube
YouTube is the world's most popular online video community allowing millions of people to discover, watch and share
originally created videos. YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform and inspire others across the globe
and acts as a distribution platform for original content creators and advertisers large and small. YouTube, LLC is based
in San Bruno, Calif., and is a subsidiary of Google Inc.
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