ABSTRACT

Members of Congress and their staffs expend considerable effort seeking recognition and coverage by the media. In this cynical age, one might see members of Congress’ gravitation toward the media as little more than an ego trip. It has often been said in jest about some members of Congress that the most dangerous place to be is between them and a camera. A more fair reading is that media coverage is “more than merely a means of ego gratifi cation or a way to project a diffuse image to the constituency; it may be a way to enhance the salience of an issue and to become a key player in Congress.” 1 Members of Congress need the media to advance both their careers and their policy preferences. Prior to key decisions, key members of Congress hold press conferences in an attempt to sway the outcome. During hearings, the media are accorded premier seating and access to testimony handouts. After important hearings, members of the media “stake out” the hallways in an attempt to get interviews and members eagerly gravitate toward them. Congressional offi ces grind out press releases, schedule media events, and use social media to sell their most relevant “product” – the member they work for.