6.

There have been dramatic improvements, since TV, in

the conduct and operations of the legislature.

There is

7.

8.

a notable absence of the deplorable kinds of antics which used to occur regularly during the week or so prior to adjournment.

More recently, veteran newspapermen will tell

you that viewer reaction to the chaotic 1971 legislative

session (a relapse) reinforced their critical writing.

With the exception of 1971, public reaction has been generally positive.

Viewer reaction in 1971, however, unquestionably strongly influenced leadership in 1973 to overhaul the rules and to Connecticut now has open executive

institute new reforms.

committee meetings which the press does attend, fewer caucuses, punctual starts to the session, no late night sessions and we had the earliest adjournment in three decades. Another significant bit of allout from our coverage is that legislative coverage by other TV stations, radio, and the

press has increased. We have reason to believe it's because of our competitive presence.

What about the people of the state? Does anybody watch?

Or care? Indeed they do! People will often become addicted
and stay with it for hours.

Critics argue that Public Television's audience is demonstrably
small and furthermore it is watched only by those committed
souls already concerned with public issues. Yes and no.
By network TV standards our audience is small. We do not
have ratings data on our legislative coverage, but CPTV

estimates that it is reaching 150,000 TV homes weekly.
That may be small, but it's a lot more people than you'll
shake hands with at a year of meetings. It's more than
will ever visit the Capitol or communicate with their
legislators. Most importantly, they are not all elitists!
Feedback to legislators and to ourselves indicates a good
economic and ethnic cross section, with the constituency
shifting from issue to issue. We bring the people into
the Chamber, where, to borrow Marshall McLuhan's phrase,
"Instant communication creates involvement."

On this point, there are persuasive reasons to believe
that we are reaching a significant portion of the different
opinion leaders on different levels for different issues.
They in turn, do give a multiplier effect in shaping the
attitudes of the constituencies who share their particular
interest.

Finally, I don't wish to mislead you. If you want to
reach a mass audience you are unquestionably better off
with a 30 to 120 second shot on the six o'clock news of
a commercial VHF station than you are with 15 minutes with
us. The penalty you pay, however, is brevity and possibly
superficial treatment.

What about the future? Well, there's a lot that can be done in the way of more creative programming such as more and better documentaries, films for TV and school use, more on-location

programming, more citizen participation, scripted dramatizations

(perhaps with professional actors) and greater two-way involvement with your constituencies all to flesh out and make more under

11

standable the real issues with which legislators grapple.

Obviously, such programming will require funding and almost as important, imagination.

A lot may

More and better state coverage through public television, cable TV and maybe videotape cassettes is in the offing. depend, however, on the policies of the FCC to really achieve the program potential in the years ahead which is technically feasible today.

You,

If your own legislature conducts most of the people's business in secret behind closed doors, then coverage such as we provide in Connecticut may be difficult or dull, but it's not impossible. Secrecy breeds suspicion and the erosion of public confidence. your state and your constituents would perhaps be better served if you don't wait until a possible scandal erupts before opening up your deliberations to public view and public awareness. If not, you cannot fault the news media for the resulting lack of public trust in your work.

The tide is running.

Legislators need the people's under

standing and support as the issues become more complex in the years ahead. I strongly urge you, therefore, to explore the merits of extended television and radio coverage of your legislature, as a powerful means of showing that you believe that you, too, are accountable for your stewardship.

The late Clinton Rossiter of Cornell maintained that the future of our American system of self-government rests on the quality of our votes and of our participation, rather than the quantity. What

We

we need, he said, is not more voters, but more good voters men and women who are alert, informed, understanding and reasonable. at Connecticut Public Television believe that our extended television coverage of the important work of the state legislature is helping to bring this about.

So, open a new window! Let the truth be seen. We will all legislators and voters alike be the better for it.

Thank you.

Procedures for Filming and Recording House Side of the Capitol

General Rule.-Capitol corridors, office buildings and grounds; permission to film is required for most of these areas. Gallery will assist in obtaining permission. Notice must be given gallery as far in advance as possible. Permission is NOT necessary for tape interviews with Members in the corridor on the Republican side of the House chamber. There are designated areas for filming on the east and west grounds of the Capitol.

Chamber. No filming or recording is allowed in House Chamber.

Speaker's Lobby.-Gallery members are not to record or film in Lobby. If Member paged is not available, correspondent is to leave. Notes are not to be taken from wire machines. Privacy of Members' conversations in Lobby must be respected.

Filming and Recording Members' Conversations.-Not permitted any where without consent of Member.

House Floor.-Correspondents are not allowed on the House floor.

Cleaning Up.-Crews and correspondents may clean up discarded film, coffee cups, etc., at "stake outs" wherever located.

Capitol Electricians.-Will supply power cable at stake out locatiors upon request to Architect's office through Gallery. Crews are not to pay overtime directly to Capitol electricians. Station must be billed by Architect of Capitol. House Steps. Correspondents may use steps only for interviews with House Members. Permission must be granted by Speaker's office. Correspondents are not permitted to do standups on House steps. Tripods or shoulder pods may be used. Power will be supplied on request.

Speaker's Office-No recording or filming is permitted in the area outside and adjacent to the Speaker's office or entrance to Democratic side of Lobby without permission. Gallery should be notified.

Radio-TV Gallery. - House Members of Congress have prior rights to Gallery facilities. Executive Committee is responsible for assigning seats in Chamber at Joint Sessions or meetings. Studio space will be assigned by Gallery for special panel shows and interviews. All studios will be shared on major breaking stories. Artists. Artists may not draw or sketch in Gallery.

Dress.-Suit Jackets are to be worn by Gallery Members and visitors in the Chamber when covering House.

Committee Coverage. Filming and recording House hearings requires permission of the committee chairman. Gallery needs as much advance notice as possible to assist with arrangements.

Electronic Equipment.-Electronic equipment in hearing room must be attended whether in operation or not.

Breaking Down.-Breaking down equirment while hearing is in progress is prohibited. Special permission must be obtained from chairman for this purpose unless a recess or break is taken. Organizations may not pull out of Mults!

Set-up Time.-Organizations are required to have equipment installed and in place 15 minutes before beginning of hearing or risk exclusion from coverage. Lighting. A minimum of lights are to be used on all occasions. Recent lighting difficulties require major effort and cooperation by all organizations.

Stake Outs.-Permission must be obtained from committee chairman. Shoulder pods may be used, but crews are to remain in stake out area. Crews are not allowed to precede or follow witnesses down corridors witl lights, silent cameras or SOF. After exit to sidewalk, subject is fair game.

Rotunda.-Off limits for all filming and broadcasting.

Procedures for Filming and Recording Senate Side of the

Capitol

General Rule.-Senate Capitol corridors, office buildings and hearing rooms require permission to film and record. Gallery staff will assist in obtaining permission. Notice should be given the gallery as far in advance as possible.

Chamber. No filming or recording is allowed in the Senate Chamber. Senate Floor.-Correspondents are not allowed on the Senate floor except during the leadership news briefing fifteen minutes before each session

Cleaning Up-Correspondents and crews must clean up discarded film, coffee cups, newspapers, etc. at "stake outs" wherever located.

Stand ups, Interviews.-Stand ups and interviews may be done without permission at the designated areas, east and west front, Capitol grounds, and outside