Sponsors sought for Obama inaugural

Tickets to the January inauguration of President Barack Obama will be available to very few Illinoisans, but Illinois Channel plans to bring the historic occasion into focus for state residents.

The not-for-profit statewide television network is planning a two-hour program that will highlight activities of friends and colleagues of Obama as they travel to Washington to participate in the inauguration.

Sponsorships are being offered to defray the costs of producing the documentary, which will be broadcast to more than 1.4 million homes in 128 Illinois communities. For more information, call Liz Eilers at (217) 525-7440 or access www.illinois channel.org.

A representative of an underwriting law firm or other organization may be videotaped offering a message of congratulations to the new president that will be included in the program. A $5,000 donation is required.

Illinois Channel will bring its viewers into the festivities with behind-the-scenes shots involving the state’s governmental leaders.

The Illinois State Bar Association and Illinois Channel have partnered in past coverage of such events as dedication of the Abraham Lincoln sculpture in Mt. Vernon and the midyear meeting.