BUNKER HILL -- Smoky Hills Public Television, in cooperation with PBS and “The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer,” will present complete, live, primetime coverage of both the 2008 Democratic National Convention next week and the 2008 Republican National Convention in September.

Coverage of the Democratic Convention, from Pepsi Center in Denver, is schedule for 7 to 10 p.m. Aug. 25, through Aug. 27. The coverage also will include a live broadcast of the acceptance speech of the Convention’s nominee, presumably Barak Obama, from Invesco Field on Aug. 28.
   
Coverage of the Republican National Convention from the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, is slated for Sept. 1 to 4.

Jim Lehrer will anchor the gavel-to-gavel coverage. Joining Lehrer will be seasoned senior correspondents Gwen Ifill, Ray Suarez, Margaret Warner and Judy Woodruff. In addition to the correspondents, political analysis and perspective will be provided by New York Times columnist David Brooks, syndicated columnist Mark Shields, presidential historian Michael Beschloss,  and others.

The convention coverage is just a part of PBS’ “Vote 2008” election line-up, offering Americans a unique opportunity to explore the Presidential elections. PBS’ trusted news brands and personalities bring viewers in-depth information and insight into the issues and candidates.