Media Advisory: Huffington, Matalin to kick off 24th season of UB Distinguished Speakers Series

The University at Buffalo's Distinguished Speakers Series will open its 2010-11 season with a left vs. right exchange between two of the most widely recognized women in political media today: Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, and Mary Matalin, Republican strategist and CNN contributor.

The program will be held at 8 p.m. today (Thursday, September 16) in Alumni Arena on the UB North Campus.

Huffington, a frequent guest on network and cable news programs, is the author of 13 books, the latest of which, "Third World America," will be released this month. Matalin, a bestselling author, served in the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. They are co-hosts of the nationally syndicated radio program, Both Sides Now.

During the program, audio and/or video photography, as well as still photography, will be limited to the first five minutes of each speaker's segment of the program.

Working media may reserve tickets by contacting Christine Vidal in UB Office of Communications at 645-4607 or vidal@buffalo.edu no later than noon on Thursday, September 16. Reserved tickets may be picked up at the will-call window in Alumni Arena prior to the debate. Media may be required to show press credentials in order to be admitted to the program.

Press arrangements: Ellen Goldbaum onsite at 771-9255.