1. RSVP before the deadline on the AP book if you want admission to an event.
2. Get there early to stake out your camera spot. Once you’re there, share it with another camera person. This is a rule of etiquette. There’s a small network of videographers and reporters on the Hill and good camaraderie with those you’ll see regularly will benefit you.
3. Help out the competition. On my first day reporting on the Hill covering the Elena Kagan confirmation hearings, CNN and C-SPAN shared batteries. On my second day, I was having an audio hiccup—I was plugging into the wrong feed. A nice, experienced videographer helped me out. Bottom line: be nice because the competition is also your colleague.
4. Network! When reporting on the Hill, you will be working side by side with major players from major media markets. Introduce yourself, find a mentor, get to know as many people as you can. Nothing is impossible.
5. The three best places to do your stand up on the Hill include: A) In the Rotunda on the third floor of Russell. B) On the balcony off the Rotunda with the Capitol dome in the background. C) Freedom Plaza with the dome framed by the reporter’s head.
6. Wear your headphones every time you record audio and video to ensure good audio. Put two P2 cards in the camera so the camera will automatically record on the second one when the first one runs out—you don’t want to miss something important. Always pack an extra battery.
7. If editing and filing on the Hill, be sure to set yourself up with wireless and on the Medill Avid laptop in the newsroom before you go off to get your story. The only way the computer will recognize you and your hard drive on the Hill is if you connect the first time on the Northwestern wireless network.
8. Write down the time code of the bites you may want to use. It will make the editing process that much faster. This is especially important when you cover hearings that are long and the length of two P2 cards.
9. Pack meal bars because you never know when you’re going to have time to grab a meal. The hours can be crazy and grueling. So be sure to always be prepared for the filibuster or technical glitch. We’ve all been there.
10. The Grill is open later than any other café or restaurant in the Capitol. So if you’re there late covering a hearing, go grab a Senate Burger, a veggie burger, fries or ice cream.