Watergate Journalists Participate in “The Legacy of Watergate,” March 23

EVENT: Watergate journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein speak at “The Legacy of Watergate: Why It Still Matters” on Friday, March 23, the same day their papers on Mark Felt, the source known as Deep Throat, open to researchers, scholars and the public at the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at The University of Texas at Austin. Select materials from the Felt file will be displayed on the first floor of the Center from Friday, March 23, through Sunday, April 8.

WHEN: 2 to 5 p.m., Friday, March 23, 2007

WHERE: “The Legacy of Watergate” will be held in McCullough Theatre, Performing Arts Center. (Maps of The University of Texas at Austin can be obtained at:  www.utexas/edu/maps).

BACKGROUND: The University of Texas at Austin acquired the Watergate papers of Washington Post reporters Woodward and Bernstein for $5 million, an acquisition entirely supported by donors. Woodward and Bernstein were the first journalists to establish the connection between the June 17, 1972, break-in at the Democratic national headquarters in the Watergate complex and aides to President Richard M. Nixon. Woodward and Bernstein’s papers, including notebooks, memos, interviews, story drafts, clippings and manuscripts for “All the President’s Men” and “The Final Days,” are housed at the Ransom Center and opened to the public in February 2005.

“The Legacy of Watergate” consists of two panel discussions, each involving Woodward and Bernstein. Panelists for “Watergate and Presidential Accountability” include Bruce Buchanan, professor of government; Francis J. Gavin, associate professor of public affairs; and Sanford Levinson, professor of law. The panel runs from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Panelists for “Watergate and the Media: Did the System Work?” include Roderick P. Hart, dean of the College of Communication; Richard Oppel, editor of the Austin American-Statesman; and David Oshinsky, professor of history. The panel runs from 3:45 to 5 p.m.

The event is made possible by the Austin American-Statesman and statesman.com.

FREE, LIMITED SEATING: First-come, first-served seating to “The Legacy of Watergate: Why It Still Matters” will be available to the public when doors open at 1:30 p.m. at McCullough Theatre, Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 23.

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Contact: Jennifer Tisdale, 512-471-8949

jentisdale@mail.utexas.edu

Alicia Dietrich, 512-232-3667

aliciadietrich@mail.utexas.edu