From: Steve Marshall Sent: Friday, 2 November 2007 12:48 PM To: Freya Michie Subject: RE: Questions from Media Watch

Hello Freya,

I am aware the WIN Election promo has generated a lot of interest in Townsville and I fully support its use.

In answer to your questions:

1. The idea for the promo came from the staff at WIN Townsville. When it was put to me I agreed in principal, only on the condition that all candidates were to be approached and only if they all agreed would it go ahead.

2. I didn’t want the promo to be perceived as, just another election ad, so the candidates were asked if they would support WIN’s coverage of the election campaign in general terms. They were not provided with a script and had to come up with their own ideas. The only constraint was time as the promo only runs thirty seconds and each person had to have the same amount of air time.

3. As you are no doubt aware the promo has been running some weeks now and the candidate for One Nation only nominated at 5pm last night. He has been approached and a new promo involving Francis Pauler will be shot next week.

4. I have asked all the newsrooms in Queensland to approach the candidates in their markets and put the same proposal to them all. As with Townsville, if one person says no, the promo will not go ahead.

5. I have to say, I appreciate the extra promotional activity generated by Seven News Townsville.

Finally, WIN Local News has been at the forefront of the election campaign coverage in Townsville. For example on Wednesday University conducted a debate between all the candidates for the seat of Herbert. We viewed the debate as a significant story. WIN Local News Townsville was the only commercial television news service to attend and report on the debate.

I hope that answers all your questions, please feel free to call me anytime.

Regards Steve.

From: Freya Michie Sent: Friday, 2 November 2007 10:41 AM To: Steve Marshall Subject: Questions from Media Watch

Steve Marshall State News Director, WIN TV QLD.

Dear Steve;

Media Watch is examining the promo recently produced by WIN TV Townville featuring three of the four Federal election candidates for the seat of Herbert.

We'd be most grateful to have a short statement from you addressing the following questions.

1. Who came up with the idea for the promo and how did three of the candidates for Herbert come to take part?

2. What sort of direction did WIN provide to the candidates - for example were they told what to say or what general approach to take?

3. Why didn't Herbert's One Nation candidate, Francis Pauler participate in the promo?

4. Are you aware if any other WIN TV stations have produced similar station promos involving their election candidates, or is this approach unique to WIN Townsville?

5. How would you describe the reaction from Channel 7 Townsville to your promo?

Due to our production deadlines, I'd be most grateful to hear back from you later today if possible.

Yours sincerely,

Freya Michie Supervising Producer MEDIA WATCH ABC Television