Pew Study – Texas Loses Largest Number of State Capitol Reporters
posted on 4.18.2022-TAB Responds with Programming
A new study released earlier this month by the Pew Research Center on statehouse reporting shows that while the number of state capitol reporters nationally is increasing, Texas saw the biggest drop in the number of reporters covering the Legislature.
Pew said the total number of reporters covering state capitols nationally has increased eleven percent since 2014, however, there are fewer full-time reporters covering the capitol beat full-time.
Texas, however, saw the highest decline in the capitol reporting ranks in the 2014-2022 timeframe.
Full-time and part-time Texas statehouse reporters declined from 107 to 78 in that period.
The state still has the second largest number of reporters covering the capitol beat, second only to California.
TAB To Expand Online Resources
TAB views these numbers with concern as the state’s population continues to boom and policy issues considered by lawmakers and government regulations have a major impact on life in Texas.
In light of tightening newsroom operations, TAB staff is formulating a series of online briefings in the coming months to help journalists prepare for the looming state policy initiatives under consideration during the interim.
Key Legislative Dates
Prefiling of legislation for the 2023 session begins in six months on Monday, Nov. 7, the first Monday after the general election.
The 88th Texas Legislature convenes Jan. 10, 2023.
TAB’s 2023 Legislative Conference is Jan. 31.
Questions? Contact TAB’s Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.
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