University of Wisconsin - Extension

Wisconsin Public Television and PBS will be the only over-the-air network to provide gavel-to-gavel coverage of the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

Veteran award-winning journalist Jim Lehrer and the NewsHour team will host coverage of the Democrats in Boston from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday, July 26 through Thursday, July 29.

PBS will provide the same coverage of the Republican National Convention in August.

"This extensive coverage allows us to provide an even, balanced presentation to our viewers," said Malcolm Brett, WPT's director of television. "By encouraging our audience to be involved in the democratic process, we hope to foster a more informed electorate in an era when every vote truly counts."

Live from Boston, the convention schedule is filled with speeches from current and former politicians, the presentation of campaign platforms from candidates Sen. John Kerry and Sen. John Edwards and a party atmosphere with more than 4,000 delegates from across the nation.

Unlike other network convention coverage, PBS will provide uninterrupted access to the speeches, newsmakers and candidates all four nights.

In 2004, WPT celebrates 50 years of service to Wisconsin individuals and families. WHA-TV, Madison, signed on the air on May 3, 1954.

WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV/DT, Madison; WPNE-TV/DT, Green Bay; WHRM-TV/DT, Wausau; WLEF-TV/DT, Park Falls; WHLA-TV/DT, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV/DT, Menomonie-Eau Claire.