C-SPAN has sent a letter to incoming Speaker of the House John Boehner, requesting that it be allowed to use its own cameras when covering floor proceedings. Currently, all cameras used to cover floor debates in the House are controlled by the chamber, meaning that news outlets, like C-SPAN, must use the feed provided to them.
In the letter, C-SPAN is requesting a that a small number of robotically controlled cameras be placed in the chamber, allowing for reaction shots and wide shots of the room. C-SPAN says it will assume all costs for their installation.
Unfortunately, if history is any indication, it is unlikely C-SPAN will be granted the request. It sent similar letters to Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich when they assumed control, and neither approved of the change. Will Boehner strike ma different tune? We will find out soon enough.
Update: The Cutline’s Michael Calderone reports that Boehner’s spokesperson says the request is “under review.”
C-SPAN’s full letter to Boehner is after the jump.