Auburn will have a strong behind-the-scenes presence in televised discussions airing Saturday by Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain with minister Rick Warren at his megachurch in Orange County.

Fresh Air Media from Auburn will coordinate live television coverage of the event, while providing the high-definition transmission to both FOX News and CNN. Both are planning to air the two-hour program live, starting at 5 p.m.

Greg Flessing, president of the North Auburn media business, said being near the core of personal conversations with both senators is a rare opportunity and came about because of Fresh Air Media’s extensive background covering and broadcasting live events, as well as a longstanding relationship with Saddleback Church.

“This is a historic event in an election year where hot-button issues often obscure the real measurements of leadership,” Flessing said.

Warren, author of the best-selling book “A Purpose-Driven Life,” will spend nearly an hour with each candidate, one-on-one, exploring four primary areas – leadership, world view, stewardship and the role of the United States in the world. He’ll ask the candidates identical questions and there will be no audience or press queries.

The telecast will be a groundbreaker and a radical departure from the high-pressure debates of campaigns past. Unlike debates, the candidates’ campaigns requested that the event not be controlled or an exclusive to any one television network.

Fresh Air Media has been developing the program format in cooperation with Saddleback. For Flessing, a 28-year Auburn resident whose business is probably best known for its work with evangelist The Rev. Billy Graham on crusade telecasts, that has meant interfacing with myriad broadcasters requesting feeds and live links.

“We are providing a high-quality broadcast team to make sure this HD presentation enables viewers an unprecedented look at these candidates,” Flessing said.

Along with the on-site production, Fresh Air has produced the graphics package for the program.

While the timing of the telecast could have been better, given interest in the Olympics, the Warren discussion should prove valuable because it lets a national audience hear both presidential candidates address the same issues without the petty bickering that often breaks out in a debate setting, Flessing said.

As well as the Graham Evangelistic Association, Fresh Air Media has worked on satellite-delivered and live events with Promise Keepers, Gary Smalley and John Maxwell.

“We’re proud to be part of this non-partisan exploration of focus and values,” Flessing said.