Believe it or not, there are some people who actually watch C-SPAN.

A few of us at USDemocrazy are included, so there were mixed emotions when we heard they missed an opportunity to make their coverage just a little bit more exciting.

Since the mid 1990s, the network has been trying to gain approval to use their own cameras in a new place on Capitol Hill. The House of Representatives does not allow C-SPAN to record its gatherings.  Last week, Rep. John Boehner became the latest Speaker of the House to deny C-SPAN’s request:

I believe the American people — and the dignity and decorum of the United States House of Representatives — are best served by the current system of televised proceedings provided by the House Recording Studio

The video broadcast currently shown by C-SPAN comes from cameras operated by Congress itself.  This setup only allows certain angles and avoids showing the reactions of Representatives when their colleagues are speaking.  In the past, members of Congress have disagreed over the use of the cameras.

Every Speaker since Newt Gingrich has banned C-SPAN from using their own equipment in the chamber.  There was a clear sense of frustration in the network’s statement on the most recent rejection:

We’re disappointed to learn that despite 32 years of experience with televising its sessions and in an age of ubiquitous cameras in political life, the House of Representatives has chosen not to allow C-SPAN’s cameras into its chamber to cover its sessions

Where do you stand on cameras in Congress?

BONUS: Chad Pergram of Fox News writes nose picking is among the real reasons C-SPAN’s cameras aren’t allowed.