Boehner Denies C-SPAN's Request To Allow Its Cameras In The House

[mfcorey1]

Goodybye transparency!!!


House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), who yesterday told the Radio-Television Correspondents Association he's willing to increase media access in the House, has denied C-SPAN's request to allow its cameras to cover House floor debates.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/02/boehner-denies-c-spans-request-to-allow-its-cameras-in-the-house.php?ref=fpb

[RandomThoughts]

1. What transperancy?

[The Wielding Truth]

2. Wait. Isn't it the people's house? How can he deny access?

[tammywammy]

6. The same way Pelosi denied the same request. n/t

[Skip_In_Boulder]

7. When was that? n/t

[tammywammy]

9. In 2006

"Also that year, C-SPAN, trying to compete with other networks for viewers, asked if it could bring in its own cameras. Incoming Speaker Gingrich declined. His successor, Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), also did not allow C-SPAN's cameras in the chamber. In 2006, incoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) followed suit."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/04/AR2011020407538.html?wprss=rss_print/style


edited to add:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2663111

[The Wielding Truth]

10. I can't understand this letter. It seems like he welcomes them.

http://www.c-span.org/pdf/SpeakerBoehnerResponsetoCSPANFeb2011.pdf

[tammywammy]

11. He likes the set-up the way it is now

He doesn't want to change to what C-Span was requesting.

"C-SPAN wrote Boehner back in November, urging he allow their cameras to televise House floor debates. Currently, the cameras used to cover House floor debates are owned and operated by Congress, and reactionary shots are prohibited."

[The Wielding Truth]

12. Oh. So they are televised by c-span but not placed and controlled by c-span.

Right?If so,I think it's been okay.I don't think I would like editorializing by anyone.

[tammywammy]

13. Right

Plus, I think C-Span wants to show more of the floor during a speaker, like reaction shots (or lack of reaction shots if the chamber's mostly empty).

[The Wielding Truth]

14. I think they should leave as is. I don't need reactions.

[tammywammy]

15. Agreed n/t

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

3. He doesn't want the people to see the crazy teabaggers.

[givemebackmycountry]

4. B eye n gee o

We have a winner.
Why else?

[GrantDem]

5. +1

[applegrove]

25. Exactly.

[dixiegrrrrl]

8. Wait a minute....what was I watching on Cspan all this time???

Was that not House coverage?

[kirby]

16. Another misleading post...

The current cameras are controlled by the House Recording Studio. They provide that feed to C-SPAN. C-SPAN has requested over the years the ability to install their own cameras in their own locations so that they can control the camera view. All speakers have denied this request.

I dont think they want people to seem that when someone is speaking the entire chamber is typically empty.

[KharmaTrain]

17. They Don't Control The Cameras

That's done by a special House television unit. Usually all you see are a couple of standard shots of the rostrum. C-SPAN doesn't control what camera is being used or from what angle. This is what they want the ability to do.

[dixiegrrrrl]

24. Thank you both for the information.

Looks like Boner has the same problem with openness that Mubarak does.

And i agree the heading of the post was a bit mis-leading, the C-Span already shows the debates, just not all of the chamber.

[NYC Liberal]

18. I don't see what's wrong with the current setup, to be honest.

Showing "reactionary shots" seems like a gimmick better suited for the corporate media channels. Maybe it's just me.

Plus then you inevitably get into what kind of reactionary shots to show and which ones not to. (Do you show one or not show one that makes Dems look bad/good or Repubs look bad/good?)

[kestrel91316]

19. Let me guess. He wants FAUX to have the only rights to covering the House.

[tammywammy]

22. That's not said at all

C-Span will still show exactly what it's BEEN showing. He denied them getting their own cameras installed.

[housewolf]

20. So we'll be seeing the same as we have been seeing for all these years

No difference.

CSpan has been trying for years to get additional cameras into the legislative process. Good for them for continuing the fight.

[tammywammy]

23. Yes, that's exactly right. They will show exactly what they've been showing

And I also give them props for continuing to try and get their own cameras installed.

[upi402]

21. All you need is ignorance and confidence and the success is sure

Twain quote

[pacalo]

26. What does Boner specifically mean by wanting more transparency if he denies

C-Span their own cameras? What's the big deal? That we might see another Ted Stevens picking his nose moment (during the Clinton impeachment)? Or sleeping (again, Ted Stevens, same venue)? The only reason viewers were able to see Stevens is because he was seated behind the podium in the aisle facing the Speaker's dais. And it wasn't a pretty sight to see a senator digging for minutes -- let me tell you, it was disgusting.