Your source for up-to-the minute news you can use for members of the Congressional Radio-Television Galleries, including highlights from Executive Committee meetings; information regarding credentialing and Gallery operations; and updates and upcoming events such as the annual dinner, the conventions, and the Inauguration.

Happy Trails: Gallery Director Larry Janezich Announces Retirement
On January 5, Senate Radio-TV Gallery Director Larry Janezich announced his intention to retire in mid-February. He has been employed by the Senate since September 6, 1966, a Senate Gallery staff member since March 17, 1970, and Director of the Gallery since January 5, 1990. Some of the events he participated in managing the broadcast coverage of during his tenure in the Gallery were: Panama Canal Debate Watergate Hearings Swearing in of VP Rockefeller in the Senate Chamber Lying in State of the Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam War Iran-Contra Hearings Hearings on the Supreme Court nomination of Clarence Thomas A Capitol Tribute to two United States Capitol Police Officers killed in the line of duty Impeachment trial of President Clinton Lyings in State of Senator Hubert Humphrey and President Ronald Reagan 8 Presidential Inaugurals, including the 1985 Inauguration of President Reagan in Rotunda of the Capitol 15 national political conventions

In 1986, he assisted in coordinating the first broadcast coverage of Senate floor debates. He saw the broadcast news business evolve from the use of 35 millimeter film cameras to ENG Video cameras, satellite and fiber optic technology. He was instrumental in developing the use of new technology to distribute information regarding Senate activities.

Internet News Organizations Granted Accreditation
The Executive Committee of the Radio-TV Galleries voted June 18, 2004 to accredit Internet news organizations, those organizations that "distribute news product which contains a significant audio and or video component on the Internet." Internet news organizations will be required to meet the criteria for regular Radio-TV Gallery membership.

Save the Date for the 61st Annual Radio & TV Correspondents' Association Dinner
Executive Committee Chair Dave McConnell (WTOP Radio) announced that next year''s annual dinner will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 at the Washington Hilton. This year, over 2200 of you came out for this event and we look forward to seeing even more of you next year.

The Gallery is Super-Sizing
Senate Gallery staff and the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) construction planners recently met to discuss plans for the construction of two radio booths on the Gallery''s mezzanine level. The two booths will not be permanently assigned and will be available on an as-needed basis to radio broadcasters in need of quiet space in which to record voice tracks and for remote broadcasts.