Government Information Exhibits

While the television served a huge role in campaign advertisement and allowed candidates to present controlled images to influence voters, the development of television and tv broadcasting also expanded opportunities for the public to maintain a thorough view of politics and easily access government events and activities. With the launch of C-Span and other TV or streaming channels, it is easier than ever for the public to keep track of and contribute to political activities.

C-Span 

Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network (C-SPAN) is an American cable and satellite television network that was created in 1979 by the cable television industry as a nonprofit public service. It televises many proceedings of the United States federal government, as well as other public affairs programming.  The network televises U.S. political events, particularly live and "gavel-to-gavel" coverage of the U.S. Congress. C-SPAN also televises occasional proceedings of the Australian, British (including the weekly Prime Minister's Questions), and Canadian Parliaments, as well as other major events worldwide. Its coverage of political and policy events is unmoderated, providing the audience with unfiltered information about politics and government.

• H. Res. 866 Resolution to devise and implement a closed circuit system for the viewing of House proceedings, conduct a study of alternative methods of providing audio and visual broadcasting of all such proceedings, implement a broadcasting and recording system for House proceedings, and prohibit such coverage from being used for political purposes, or being broadcast with commercial sponsorship.
• H. Rpt. 95-881 Broadcasting the Proceedings of the House (UIUC affiliate access only) Report of alternative methods of providing complete and unedited audio and visual broadcasting of the proceedings of the House, pursuant to the directive given to the Committee by the House of Representatives with the passing of House Resolution 866.
• Congressional Record-House April 3 1979 Remarks on official launch of television coverage of the House of Representatives through C-SPAN after three months of experimentation ends (page 2 of document).
• H. J. Res. 232-To designate April 1989 as "National Cable Television Month". Resolution to designate April 1989 as 'National Cable Television Month' to recongnize the importance of cable television and to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of C-SPAN.
• S.Res.28 - A resolution to improve Senate procedures. Resolution to start a three-month trial period of television coverage of the floor proceedings, with live national coverage to begin on June 2, 1986.

Government Access Television

Government-access television (GATV) is a type of specialty television channel created by government entities (generally local governments) and broadcast over cable TV systems or, in some cases, over-the-air broadcast television stations. GATV programming generally deals with public affairs, board meetings (i.e. city council, county commission, and school board), explanation of government services, and other public-service related programming such as public service announcements and longer public information films.

• 47 U.S.C. 531 - Cable channels for public, educational, or governmental use Laws regarding Government Access Television are contained in the US Code, title 47, section 531 (47 U.S.C. § 531), and are enforced by the Federal Communications Commission. 
• The Illinois Channel Modeled after C-SPAN, the Illinois Channel is a nonprofit television news organization dedicated to covering Illinois State Government, and statewide public policy issues.
• Champaign Government Television (CGTV) Champaign Government Television (CGTV) is the City of Champaign's government access channel which provides video programming about City deliberations, functions, services, programs, and activities directly to the public. CGTV also shares videos and information received from other local government agencies.
• Urbana Public Television UPTV is the City of Urbana's Public, Education & Government access media center.  Since 1995, UPTV has provided the Urbana-Champaign area with local programming on community issues and events, as well as coverage of the Urbana City Council and Board & Commission meetings.