Ode to C-Span

I am in love with a cable channel.

Not since I was addicted to MTV circa 1982 have I really enjoyed the programming and take of a media outlet like C-Span.

Even though we go through the monthly ritual of cursing the cable bill, this is one (actually three) thing that industry has done right. The gavel-to-gavel coverage of the House and Senate, hearings on both sides of the Capitol, live coverage of the President, the White House Press briefing dance, it's all there, unedited and unexplained. We get to hear the politicians with full fire and fury. I even enjoy Book-TV on the weekends, although my children roll their eyes at me when I have it on.

The live, full coverage, and thankfully the weekend repeat coverage, of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justice Samuel Alito were really brilliant. I was able to keep up with these historic events, even with a full schedule.

C-Span reminds me of the way television news used to happen, live, and gavel to gavel. Watching the hearings for the justices threw me back to the impeachment of Nixon in 1974 (I was little), and Iran/Contra in the 80's. Of course, those were on the broadcast networks, when they recieved lots of complaint for preempting Days of Our Lives for Ollie North!

Special kudos for Erie native Steve Scully, who does a fine job on the networks. Thanks to C-Span and their team for keeping it real.