HBO only network to show inaugural opening event

January 7, 4:05 PMDC Tourism & Travel ExaminerBen Shlesinger

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Below is a release from the Presidential Inaugural Committee about HBO being the only network that will show the opening event for Obama's inauguration on Jan. 18. Just remember if you watch the event, it's not TV, it's HBO. I have not changed the release at all.

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Washington, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is pleased to announce that HBO will exclusively televise the Opening Celebration for the 56th Presidential Inaugural, a celebration of America to be held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday, January 18th.  HBO will televise the event that evening on an open signal, working with all of its distributors to allow Americans across the country with access to cable or satellite television to join in the Opening Celebration for free.

The Opening Celebration will be a marquis event, featuring some of the biggest acts in the world of entertainment to celebrate our common heritage and our new direction.  President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden will both attend the event, which will be free and open to the public.

“We are very excited that HBO will be televising the kick-off event for our Inaugural,“ said PIC Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau.  “Their proven track record as a leader in television will help ensure an event that reflects President-elect Obama’s commitment to holding an inauguration that is open, accessible and reflects America’s spirit of unity.  The Presidential Inaugural Committee is committed to staging an Opening Celebration that reflects the best of our nation, and we are pleased that millions of people across the country will be able to share in this historic experience.“

“We are honored to be broadcasting an event of this national significance featuring some of the leading talent from the  music and entertainment industry,“ said Bill Nelson, Chairman & CEO, Home Box Office.  “HBO is proud to work with all of our distributors to make this event accessible to as many citizens as possible.“

Televised to the nation, the Opening Celebration will be a declaration of common purpose and new beginnings.  The Sunday afternoon performance will be grounded in history and brought to life with entertainment that relates to the themes that shaped Barack Obama’s campaign and which will be the hallmarks of his administration. 

For more of my inauguration stories, check out the list below. 

1. Obama's inaugural committee starts usaservice.org
2. Sen. Ben Cardin gives out inauguration tickets, I don't get one
3. Maryland Inaugural Ball sold out, can still win free tickets though
4. Obama's Inaugural Committee joining up with the Smithsonian
5. National Aqaurium is an option during inauguration time
6. Lincoln 2.0 Inaugural Ball joins the Obama party fray
7. The Obamas have moved to the Hay-Adams hotel in D.C.
8. Steve Case giving away hotel, air fare and tickets to Obama's inauguration
9. National Museum of American Indian hosting inauguration events
10. D.C. restaurants have Obama inauguration specials
11. Official Obama inauguration memorabilia on sale now
12. 44 cheap or free things to do in D.C. during Obama's inauguration
13. Win tickets to Obama's inauguration, no money necessary
14. Senator Barbara Mikulski has yet to give out Obama inauguration tickets
15. Amtrak beefing up service, staffing and security for Obama's inauguration
16. Two African embassies throwing inauguration party for Obama
17.  Inauguration Committee puts out a long list of advisories for Obama's swearing-in
18. Special Olympics to join inaugural parade
19. Inaugural D.C. Ball benefitting Metropolitan Police Boys and Girls clubs
20. 2009 Florida Inauguration Celebration to benefit local Red Cross chapters
21. Mambo For Obama Inaugural Ball added to schedule
22. Texas holding inaugural ball despite no Texan in the White House
23. Local 'The Wire' actor to host the H.O.P.E. Inaugural Youth Ball
24. Conservation Inauguration Gala honors Obamas and Bidens
25. North Carolina Inaugural Ball sold out
26. Celebrate the inauguration by cruising on the Potomac River
27. If you have an inauguration story, I want to hear it!
28. Annapolis, Md. hoping to capture some Obama inauguration business
29. New list of balls, galas, and other events celebrating Obama's inauguration
30. D.C. Council chops off one hour of inaugural drinking time
31. The Newseum is the place to be for Obama's inauguration day

Special Report: Inauguration Day 2009

• The Obama Administration at a glance
• Examiner.com Inauguration Roundup
• Examiner Coverage: Inauguration Day 2009
• Elections 2008 Examiner Coverage