Ruling
January 21, 1986
Broadcasting of proceedings
Hon. John Bosley
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The guidelines agreed to in 1977 did not deal with the coverage of special events. A review of the tapes of the last seven joint addresses demonstrates that all have been televised in the same style and format as the one in question. The special order of the House which allowed the address of the Japanese Prime Minister to take place provided that the speech "be made available to the media for transmission in the usual way". This wording is somewhat open to interpretation.
The Speaker strongly urged that the Standing Committee on Procedure and Organization consider at least the question of what guidelines the broadcasting branch should operate under for special events such as joint addresses..
Sources cited Debates, May 28, 1985, pp. 5146-7.
References Debates, January 14, 1986, pp. 9753-4.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"The existing broadcasting guidelines are insufficient for special events, and the relevant standing committee should establish clear rules for such occasions."
AI Summary
The Speaker ruled that broadcasting guidelines for special events are ambiguous and urged a committee to establish clear rules for the future.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Other
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Not specified
- Significance
Low
High