Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Senate vote to allow radio, but not TV, live coverage of Canal treaty debate to begin next week reported House subcommittee recommendation that House, not networks, control upcoming camera coverage of House proceedings also noted.
REPORTER: Barbara Walters

(DC) Film of Florida state legislature and Canadian parliament shown. [Florida state LEGIS. - objects to colleague's remarks.] Prime Min. Trudeau's recent defense of administration handling of Royal Canadian Mounted Police scandal mentioned. [TRUDEAU - remarks on attitude of parliamentary opposition.] [Parliamentary SPEAKER - calls for order.] television coverage in United States Congress noted only in cases of special events like President Carter's State of Union address; film shown. Upcoming video taping of House floor activity and controversy over who should do taping outlined. [Representative Jack BROOKS - cites opposition to television networks' control of cameras.] [Representative John ANDERSON - cites opposition to House control of camera coverage.] Congress opposition to network control of coverage due to feeling that networks might embarrass Congmen. noted; films of Georgia legislature shown and Georgia legislators' opinions of coverage and heightened public interest in proceedings stated. Final decision with regard to House coverage to be up to speaker O'Neill.
REPORTER: Brit Hume