C-SPAN to Air COVID-19 Messages from Grounded House Members

By Phil Kurz
published

The network is devoting airtime to this unprecedented project the week of March 30

(Image credit: C-SPAN)

WASHINGTON—C-SPAN said it would dedicate airtime to House members from both parties to broadcast brief video statements explaining their position on the emergency coronavirus legislation vote.

Many House members are unable to travel to Washington for the vote on the Cares Act coronavirus relief legislation, which takes place Friday, March 27.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-N.Y.) requested the network help connect members with the public during the crisis—a first for C-SPAN in its 41-year history, the network said.

C-SPAN currently is working internally to prepare for the onslaught of videos and is coordinating the technical details with the House leadership offices. At the moment, the network expects the statements to air in blocks during prime time the week of March 30.

The videos will air on TV and radio and be streamed from C-SPAN.org. They also will be archived in the network’s online video library.

Phil Kurz
Phil Kurz

Phil Kurz is a contributing editor to TV Tech. He has written about TV and video technology for more than 30 years and served as editor of three leading industry magazines. He earned a Bachelor of Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.