Updated Media Advisory: Mississippi River Delta Restoration to Sponsor “A Prairie Home Companion” Broadcast from Historic Saenger Theatre
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2013
CONTACT: Emily Guidry Schatzel, 225-253-9781, schatzele@nwf.org
Mississippi River Delta Restoration to Sponsor “A Prairie Home Companion” Broadcast from Historic Saenger Theatre
WHAT: Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” will be broadcast live from the restored and newly reopened Saenger Theatre, hosted by New Orleans public radio station WWNO (89.9 FM) and sponsored in part by the Mississippi River Delta Restoration Coalition, a group of leading local and national conservation organizations working together to advance sustainable solutions for the delta region. The coalition is made up of Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation and Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. The Saenger Theatre, a New Orleans landmark since 1927, was one of many historic buildings severely damaged in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
WHY: The $52 million redevelopment, restoration and reopening of the Saenger Theatre is an example of how the region has come back and is thriving in new ways, despite challenges ranging from Hurricane Katrina to the Gulf oil disaster. The reopening highlights the importance of a healthy Mississippi River Delta, as the region’s wetlands and barrier islands are essential to protect the people, wildlife and local economies of Louisiana. The broadcast is being sponsored in part by the Mississippi River Delta Restoration Coalition, a group of leading conservation groups working to restore and protect the disappearing region by reconnecting the river with its delta.
WHEN: Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 4:45 p.m.
LIVE broadcast on WWNO 89.9 FM
WHERE: Saenger Theatre
1111 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
504.287.0351
WHO: Doug Meffert, Audubon Louisiana
David Muth, National Wildlife Federation
Steve Cochran, Environmental Defense Fund
RSVP: Media representatives interested in Mississippi River Delta Restoration coalition expert perspective prior to or during the event should RSVP by sending an email to Emily Guidry Schatzel at schatzele@nwf.org by Friday, October 11 at Noon CST.
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The Restore the Mississippi River Delta coalition is working to protect people, wildlife and jobs by reconnecting the river with its wetlands. As our region faces the crisis of threatening land loss, we offer science-based solutions through a comprehensive approach to restoration. Comprised of conservation, policy, science and outreach experts from Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, we are located in Houma, New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Washington, D.C.; and around the United States. See more at www.mississippiriverdelta.org.