In 1970, the Legislative Reorganization Act authorized the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to open their committee meetings to both radio and television. Three factors increased interest in implementing media coverage of such meetings: feasibility of televised coverage, public cynicism and hostility generated by misinformation and information gaps, and the realization that television would effectively shift power from the president, who has made increasing use of the medium, to the Congress. Opponents of the use of television cite the disruptive effects of television cameras, bright lights, and microphones as reasons for rejecting media coverage. A report prepared by the Congressional Research Service at the request of the Joint Committee indicated, however, that these objections could be overcome. Steps toward legislative resolutions which would allow televised coverage of committee meetings and open floor debate have not been acted upon, despite the fact that a recent Roper poll of television viewers indicated that more than 50% of those interviewed felt that deliberative sessions should be televised. (KS)