Senate Media Services described a months-long upgrade of streaming and broadcast systems this week that the office says will expand public access to committee hearings and floor sessions.

Bill Poore, director of engineering and operations for Senate Media Services, said the project involved extensive fiber, video and audio cable installation and a crew that worked for months. “Having this fire up and operate as expected is going to be amazing for not only me, but the public as a whole,” he said, noting the upgrades will put multiple cameras in each hearing room and allow testifiers to be seen on screen.

Senate Media Services Director Mark Martinez said the upgrade supports the Senate's mission of keeping the public informed and engaged and provides “transparency into the proceedings, so folks at home can view what's happening with their senators in their districts and without any kind of bias whatsoever.” The office said the upgrades will improve streaming and broadcast standards and include capacity for future expansion; the House media team will begin its next phase after a State Office Building remodel is complete.

No legislative action was associated with the upgrade in the segments reviewed; the discussion described operational improvements intended to increase transparency and public access.