Pelosi says "No" to C-SPAN

IT'S 2007. DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR LAWMAKERS ARE UP TO?
[SOURCE: USAToday, AUTHOR: Editorial Staff]
[Commentary] When the new Congress starts its term Thursday, one thing won't change -- at least for now: Americans will still be prevented from watching what's really happening on the House and Senate floors unless they travel to the Capitol visitors' galleries. C-SPAN, the cable television network that has provided gavel-to-gavel coverage of the House since 1979 and the Senate since 1986, is restricted to broadcasting static, head-on shots of whoever is speaking. During votes and breaks in the proceedings, it shows a similarly static, long-range view of the chamber that carries all the excitement of a test pattern. The network isn't allowed to cover what's happening in a more meaningful way. It can't, for instance, take individual reaction shots or pan the chamber. That's because the government controls the cameras. Incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said the "dignity and decorum" of the House is best preserved by keeping prohibitions in place.
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20070103/edit03.art.htm

* Keep cameras focused
[Commentary] In op-ed, Donald Wolfensberger says granting C-SPAN free gazing rights on the House floor is a terrible idea. Incoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi is right to reject the request.
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20070103/oppose03.art.htm