Mississippi Presidential Debate

Mississippi Presidential Debate

When the University of Mississippi was chosen as the site of the first presidential debate between John McCain and Barack Obama, the Mississippi Development Authority needed to quickly develop a digital resource for the national media.

Insight

With the attention of the nation focused on the state, the Mississippi Development Authority wanted to ensure national media attention would capture Mississippi in a positive light.

Approach

The Ramey Agency created a microsite filled with ready-to-use assets for media outlets. Resources included B-roll footage, interviews of well-respected Mississippians, photography, and facts and figures to make it easier for journalists to flesh out reports from the state.

Outcomes

“For us, the legacy of this debate lives in the overwhelmingly positive worldwide attention that will help replace old stereotypes with a refreshing new impression of Mississippi as a place where progress – economic, educational, cultural, racial – is demonstrably real.” – Haley Barbour, Clarion Ledger

Unique visits during the weeks surrounding the debate
Publicity value of 11,409 print, online and broadcast news stories – estimated by Clarion Ledger

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