Covering Capitol Hill over the past two years represents a prime example of how important it is for journalists to stay flexible and learn new rules of the trade to remain productive.
The decisive victory of Republican candidates for Congress in November 1994 brought headlong changes to the gathering and dissemination of news in the nation’s capital. The GOP sweep in the Senate and House of Representatives changed not only the policy focus, but also the day-to-day operation of an institution with well-established rules of order, Most Americans read about the political shifts and different flow of command instituted by a newly installed majority party intent on working long hours to pursue a new conservative Contract with America. Behind the scenes, however, cutbacks in congressional staff and a heightened skepticism of the press forced reporters on a whole new learning curve.
Less is Less
The House committee responsible for education is an ideal example. Under Democrats, reporters could stroll into the committee’s press room — located in a separate office — to get testimony, ask questions or chat about events. The press room even had a separate phone number for (relatively) easy communication.
