Tina Tate
The first woman director of the House Radio-TV Gallery, Tina Tate oversaw press coverage for major media events in Congress such as presidential impeachment hearings, Joint Sessions, and State of the Union addresses.
Featured Video
Members, Press, and the Radio-TV Gallery
Abstract & Transcript
Tina Tate’s recollections of her 34-year career in the House Radio-TV Gallery provide an invaluable window into the daily routine of a long-standing House institution. Created in 1939, the House Radio Gallery expanded to admit TV broadcasters in 1953. As only the third director in the gallery’s history, Tate witnessed major changes during her tenure, notably, rapid technological advancements in media broadcasting and the growing influence of television. Tate’s detailed account underscores her role as mediator between the House Leadership, which was determined to maintain the chamber’s decorum and rules, and broadcasters demanding access to cover important media events. The topics discussed in these interviews range from the House Radio-TV Gallery’s role in the coverage of Joint Sessions to major occurrences, including the 1998 shooting at the Capitol, two impeachments, and the House on September 11, 2001.
Biography
The first woman employed in the House Radio-TV Gallery, Tate served as an assistant superintendent for nine years before being promoted to director in October 1981. As director, Tate oversaw the daily operations of the House Radio-TV Gallery, where she facilitated coverage of House proceedings for radio and TV broadcasters. Her duties encompassed standard tasks, such as supervising the daily log of House proceedings for reporters, as well as more-complex responsibilities like coordinating radio and TV coverage of major media events such as Joint Sessions and Lying in State ceremonies. Tate also participated in national political conventions that spanned nearly two decades, credentialing broadcasters and allocating sky box, standup, and radio positions. Throughout her career, Tate strove to balance the needs of the gallery’s radio and TV broadcasters with the rules and traditions of the House.
Tate retired from the House on May 31, 2007. She served as the director of media relations at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., from July 2007 to July 2009. Tate and her husband reside in Washington, D.C.
Video
Background on Speaker's Press Conferences
Members, Press, and the Radio-TV Gallery
Opening Day Traditions of a New Congress
Press Conferences in Statuary Hall after the State of the Union Address
Role of the House Radio-TV Gallery
Coming Together
Audio
"Musical Desks" in the House Radio-TV Gallery
"Musical Desks" in the House Radio-TV Gallery
Tina Tate, Director, Radio-TV Gallery, U.S. House of Representatives
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Close Relationship Between the House Radio-TV Gallery and the House Parliamentarians
Close Relationship Between the House Radio-TV Gallery and the House Parliamentarians
Tina Tate, Directory, Radio-TV Gallery, U.S. House of Representatives
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Effect of Televised Proceedings on the Reporting of Congress
Effect of Televised Proceedings on the Reporting of Congress
Tina Tate, Director, Radio-TV Gallery, U.S. House of Representatives
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House Radio-TV Superintendents
House Radio-TV Superintendents
Tina Tate, Director, Radio-TV Gallery, U.S. House of Representatives
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Live TV and its Impact on the House Radio-TV Gallery
Live TV and its Impact on the House Radio-TV Gallery
Tina Tate, Director, Radio-TV Gallery, U.S. House of Representatives
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The House Radio-TV Gallery
The House Radio-TV Gallery
Tina Tate, Director, Radio-TV Gallery, U.S. House of Representatives
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Logistical Arrangements
Logistical Arrangements
Tina Tate, Director, Radio-TV Gallery, U.S. House of Representatives
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Effect of Watergate on Press Coverage
Effect of Watergate on Press Coverage
Tina Tate, Director, Radio-TV Gallery, U.S. House of Representatives
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