The "Talk Back Live" program presents a different topic for discussion each day. The show runs weekdays at 3 p.m. Eastern time.

The issue of the day is e-mailed to Ball State in the morning. People wishing to contribute can go to the telecommunications department where the camera is set up and record their comments.

Contributors may have the chance to join host Bobbie Battista and a live Atlanta studio audience in a nationwide debate about the day's top story.

Tim Pollard, telecommunications professor, says Ball State's involvement in the program reaches beyond the students.

"We will be able to video e-mail questions and comments based on the topic for that day." Pollard said, "There will be opportunities for faculty, students and/or staff to participate live during the show."

CNN chose to put the camera at Ball State based on the growing relationship with the telecommunications department. Ball State operates a CNN Student Bureau and several student news reports have aired on the network in the past three years.

CNN Student Bureau (CNNSB) is the official student newsgathering and reporting program for CNN, offering students an unparalleled opportunity to be published on the CNNSB Web site, on CNN NEWSROOM and, occasionally, on the broader CNN News Group.

By Tim Underhill, Electronic Media Coordinator

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Pollard at tpollard@bsu.eduor (765) 285-1481.)