In a letter to the Radio-Television Correspondents Association, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) said he is willing to expand media access in the House of Representatives.
“I agree that enhancing opportunities for media coverage can make the House more open and transparent to the American people,” Boehner wrote.
Boehner’s letter indicates “recommendations” he is willing to make to increase media access, including allowing journalists to set up permanent “stakeout” locations both in and outside the Capitol. Reporters could also broadcast live from the House chamber, on a case-by-case basis, Boehner wrote.
While the House sergeant at arms must approve the new guidelines, RTCA Chairman Jay McMichael told Politico, “We are happy with the progress that was made in these negotiations, and we are looking forward to working with them closely in the future on any issues that might come up. The speaker was very generous and thoughtful about this process and we appreciate that.”
McMichael works as a photojournalist for CNN.
In November, C-SPAN wrote Boehner to request increased access to cover House floor debates. At the time, Boehner’s spokesman told TPM in an email statement: “Rep. Boehner is committed to making the House more transparent and accountable.”
Read the entire letter here.
h/t Politico
David Taintor
David Taintor is the Front Page Editor at TPM, where he contributes to TPM's Livewire coverage, among other areas. David is from Chanhassen, Minnesota, where, yes, it gets very cold. Reach him at taintor [at] talkingpointsmemo.com
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