In Contempt of Congress Postwar Press Coverage on Capitol Hill

Subjects:

• Communications » Political Communications
• Political Science » American Politics/Government

Reviews:

• ...Rozell's essential argument is that, although most members of Congress are ethical and conscientious, the institution is currently held in low esteem by the public primarily because press coverage has become increasingly negative and cynical.... A worthwile endeavor with insightful observations--e.g., that because of journalists' "strong preference for activist, progressive government...coverage is most favorable in those rare occasions of policy activism and leadership during crises."
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  Choice
• Rozell has uncovered one striking conclusion: the press rewards congressional activism. He correctly points out that this preference for activism is at odds with the institutional forces in Congress which promote deliberation and inaction....Rozell's study is persuasive and valuable.
  —Congress & The Presidency

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• The Era of Neglect (1946-early 1960s)
• The Era of Discovery (1965-mid-1970s)
• The Era of Cynicism I (1977-early 1990s)
• The Era of Cynicism II (1990s)
• Contempt of Congress: Sources and Recommendations
• Selected Bibliography
• Index