SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1995-8627

By Senators Roach, Long, Palmer, A. Anderson, Kohl, Wood, Moyer, Deccio, Oke, Johnson, Swecker, Heavey, Owen, Winsley, McDonald, McCaslin, Strannigan, Morton, Hale and Schow

     WHEREAS, A cornerstone of the Bill of Rights is the guarantee, in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, of the protection of the freedom of speech; and

     WHEREAS, Concurrently, the First Amendment prohibits the enactment of laws that abridge the freedom of the press.  The United States has a long and storied tradition of a free and active media reporting on the activities of government and politicians; and

     WHEREAS, In our constantly changing and evolving society, talk radio has recently become an increasingly important medium for citizens to receive information about, and express their views concerning government, public policy, and politics; and

     WHEREAS, The growing acceptance of this innovative news medium springs from talk radio's ability to promote the free interchange of ideas among listeners on a broad range of issues; and

     WHEREAS, Talk radio gives both public officials and private citizens access to the air waves, so that they may more actively participate in the democratic process; and

     WHEREAS, Traditional television and print news media outlets are provided facilities on the state capitol campus in order to disseminate information on issues before the legislature; and

     WHEREAS, Direct access to legislators and legislative information, that is currently available to television and print media, is no less important for the continued vitality and effectiveness of talk radio programming;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate affirm its support for free speech, a free press, and the active interchange of ideas among its citizens.  The senate supports the concept of allowing similar facilities for the broadcast of talk radio programs on the capitol campus, as are currently provided to traditional news media outlets.