C-SPAN in the United States

C-SPAN stands for Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network. It is a television network that shows only political events and meetings. C-SPAN was started in 1979. It allows American citizens to see the actual, day-to-day work of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

C-SPAN has broadcast the sessions of the House of Representatives since 1979. C-SPAN 2, a second channel, began broadcasting the proceedings of the United States Senate in 1986. These channels provide what is called “gavel-to-gavel” television coverage. Meetings of the House and Senate begin and end with the knocking of a wooden hammer, called a gavel, on a table or desk. The television coverage also begins and ends when the gavel is used. When the Senate is not in session, C-SPAN 2 broadcasts other political news, including news about candidates. C-SPAN also has viewer call-in programs in which people can talk with policy makers.

Thomas P. (Tip) O’Neill, Jr., Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1977-1987, agreed to allow C-SPAN to broadcast the House sessions. The cameras are controlled by employees of the House of Representatives. There are no reporters and no commercials.