Satellite Broadcasts Put Department Policies in Spotlight

By Joetta L. Sack

Washington

As blinding lights bear down on the guests in a hotel ballroom's makeshift studio, the camera crews hastily position their equipment for the live broadcast and a chirpy talk-show moderator greets the 100 or so audience members.

In the midst of the blur, Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley sits oblivious, pensively staring at a camera where his speech will soon be beamed by satellite to thousands. By now, prepping for the cameras has become commonplace for Mr. Riley, who participates in one satellite town meeting the third Tuesday of each month and other special programs on educational issues.

Department of Education officials say the satellite meetings--which are usually taped at the Freedom Forum-run Newseum in Arlington, Va.--have helped school leaders and others interested in education learn about new research, innovative initiatives,...