The British Broadcasting Company (BBC), which broadcasted on campus during the presidential debate Oct. 3, will return to campus to film pre-election coverage throughout the day today on Driscoll Green.
BBC elected to return because they were impressed with university staff and the campus during the debate, according to manager of external communications Jordan Ames.
The pre-election coverage filmed today will be broadcasted throughout the UK on BBC News, as well as worldwide on BBC World.
BBC senior producer Piers Weisby said DU was selected because of Colorado’s position as a battleground state and because of the importance of the election to students.
“When we were looking around we really fancied Denver because of the excitement,” said Weisby. “At the university there will be a lot of students coming out looking for a job, which is a big issue in Colorado.”
In preparation for BBC’s return to campus, the university has undergone several minor preparations, including applying for a permit from facilities to park a truck on the brick in front of Driscoll as well as submitting work orders to have bollards on the bricks pulled.
“There was just a lot of logistical preparation. Our main concern was finding a good central spot for them to broadcast from,” said Ames.
However, according to Ames, students can expect no disruption in day-to-day activities while BBC is on campus, though some passing students may be approached for interviews.
While BBC is on campus, they will interview several Denver political figures, including Democratic congresswoman Dianna DeGette and Republican Danny Stroud.
Several students are also on the schedule for interviews, including debate stand-ins Sr. Zach Gonzalez and Jr. Dia Mohammed, who acted as Governor Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama during debate preparation, as well as partisan students Lindsey Goodwin, president of College Democrats and Vince Szilagyi, member of College Republicans.
“We have some absolutely amazing students here, and this is an amazing way to showcase students who have been involved in the election and debate,” said Ames.
Ames also noted this opportunity as a sign of success for the university and the marketing campaign used throughout the debate. She said the return of BBC illustrates successful nationwide marketing for throughout the debate preparations.
“This does show the debate was valuable in terms of exposure- we are excited to bring them back and showcase our campus,” said Ames.
While the majority of students will have no involvement in the broadcast, BBC does plan on interviewing passing students about the election and its importance.
BBC will return next month as part of a separate tour across America.
