"Focus Washington" Debuts; Webisodes Will Distill Complex Politics and Policy

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - September 30, 2008) - Today, the news policy video blog Focus Washington launched its first episode to coincide with the deepening financial crisis. Veteran Washington journalist Chuck Conconi will moderate the program, which will analyze difficult policy issues in 2-to-6 minute "webisodes" on a regular basis. The online show will highlight unique Washington power-figures and their influence and knowledge on government processes.

"Focus Washington is a fun and modern way to talk about serious political and economic issues in these tumultuous times in the nation's capital," said Conconi. "I look forward to using the platform to speak with newsmakers, clients and purely interesting personalities to provide bite-sized news that is actually relevant to the day."

Conconi, who is currently senior counselor of Qorvis Communications, previously served as editor at large of The Washingtonian magazine, before which he wrote the daily "Personalities" column in the Washington Post for seven years. Conconi was also a reporter/commentator for WTTG Channel 5 and News Channel 8, and on WMAL radio and WBAL in Baltimore. Conconi has been a reporter for the Washington Evening Star, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Chicago's American, the City News Bureau of Chicago, and the Toledo Blade.

In one of his first programs, Conconi interviews the enigmatic Washington-insider Alexander Mirtchev, founder and chairman of the Krull Corporation. As an economist who grew up under Communist rule in Bulgaria and who later came to excel in the free-market of the U.S., Dr. Mirtchev provides a unique perspective on the current economic situation, both in the U.S. and in emerging markets. Mirtchev, who has been the non-executive director of multi-billion dollar enterprises, will appear regularly on Focus Washington.

"As I first encountered Alexander Mirtchev, who is a client at Qorvis, I realized he is the type of fascinating figure who general audiences have little access to, but is a major player in how Washington actually operates. Mirtchev's first interview provides a very rare perspective on this massive bailout our government is considering," said Conconi. "On Focus Washington, we hope to have other guests who can provide nuggets of news that insiders actually can use."

Conconi also will be receiving weekly updates on the campaign trail from senior Democratic strategist Rich Masters. Masters is recognized as one of the top political and media relations experts in the U.S. and is also a partner at Qorvis.

Focus Washington will be streamed to subscribers. It will also be available on its own YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/focuswashington.

For more information contact Matt J. Lauer, Qorvis Communications, +1-202-683-3127 or mlauer@qorvis.com.

Contact Information: For more information contact: Matt J. Lauer Qorvis Communications +1-202-683-3127