FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2000 Decennial Media Relations CB00-CN.26 301-457-3691/301-457-3620 (fax) 301-457-1037 (TDD) e-mail: 2000usa@census.gov **CENSUS BUREAU MEDIA ADVISORY** Census Bureau Director to Update Media on Census 2000 Operations Census Bureau Director Kenneth Prewitt will hold a news briefing on Tuesday, March 21, at 11 a.m. EST, on the status of Census 2000 operations. Census 2000 questionnaires were mailed March 13 through 15, and people are now returning their responses to the Census Bureau. Prewitt also will demonstrate how the initial response rates for the nation will look on the Census Bureau's Web site at http://www.census.gov. Date: Tuesday, March 21 Time: 11 a.m. EST Place: J. W. Marriott Hotel Salon G 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. A live webcast of the briefing will be carried on the Census Bureau's Web site http://www.census.gov.Viewing the webcast requires RealPlayer software, which can be downloaded for free at http://www.real.com/player/index.html?src=download. Reporters may attend the briefing in person or participate via telephone conference call. If you wish to take part by phone in the conference call, telephone 301-457-3691 by 10:50 a.m. EST to obtain the conference number.-X-