House Recording Studio Transitions:
New Director and New Space
New Studio Director Pat Hirsch explains the technology in the TV control room
“Hey, our phones are hooked up in the CVC,” Pat Hirsch shouts as he walks into his Rayburn office, smile on his face.
Hirsch, the Director of the House Recording Studio, is leading his department not just into a new space, but into a new era.
Soon, the Studio will convert their systems to record and broadcast in high definition and move into new, state-of-the-art digs in the Capitol Visitor Center.
The two improvements come 30 years after the studio began broadcasting from the House floor. In 1979, the studio operated just three cameras. Three decades later the number has risen to 75.
The change is years in the making, calling for the purchase of HD cameras and various infrastructure upgrades.
“We're going to go digital, so why not just go HD?” Studio Director Pat Hirsch says, using his hands to emphasize the point. “We’re just keeping up with the technology in the industry.”
Moving into the CVC is a huge upgrade unto itself, Hirsch says as he walks through a tunnel on his way to the new $621 million facility.
Hirsch looks over pictures of new Members
“We’re happy,” he says, smiling widely. “Everything is brand, spanking new and a lot of the basic equipment we are using now is over 15 years old.”
Hirsch is not the only one who is happy.Faces are smiling and anticipation seems to float in the air.
Alex Cusati, the ever-gracious chief engineer, could be the poster child for the phenomenon.
“We’re now coming to the pinnacle of all of these changes and we’re excited,” Cusati says.
In addition to mastering the CVC’s new technology, staff will be busy in the coming months doing some memorization.
The transition to a new Congress always presents a rather unusual challenge. Technicians spend hours looking through the Congressional facebook, memorizing names and faces so they can “key” in the Member’s correct name and title. “We can’t afford to guess,” Hirsch says.
The changes are more than just in equipment; the studio also has some new blood.
Mike McQuerry, who left his post as special assistant to Dan Beard, recently began working in the House Recording Studio as an audio specialist.
The new Recording Studio space in the Capitol Visitor Center
This isn’t McQuerry’s first foray into broadcasting, he explains as he relaxes in an overstuffed navy chair. He’s had experience on both sides of the mic, even hosting a talk radio show. “It’s nice to learn new things and broaden my horizons,” he says.
McQuerry has worked for Beard since April 2007, “When you work for someone like Dan it makes going to work better.”
The person charting the studio’s course through these new waters has also changed. Hirsch was recently named director, succeeding Patrick Kenealy, who now works in customer service delivery.
Hirsch began working in the House Recording Studio 20 years ago as an audio specialist. In those two decades, he’s worked his way through nearly every production position in the studio.
He has a lot to live up to. In three decades, the studio has never missed a broadcast of floor coverage due to technical problems, an accomplishment few, if any, broadcast shops can claim. “And a testament to the skills and dedication of our wonderful engineering staff who keep us running” adds Hirsch.
He’s excited about his new position, but remains modest about the promotion, turning to face Cusati before settling on, “I’m happy to have this group here…..They make my job easy.”
“Well said,” Cusati chimes in as the two laugh together.
It’s clear the two men, and indeed all of the people who work here, get along.
“We’re a family,” Hirsch said. “Occasionally we give each other grief, but we’re a family and that’s what you do.”
House Recording Studio By The Numbers:
- Operates 75 cameras in the House complex
- Broadcast 970 hearings in 2007
- Often record House proceedings for more than 50 hours per day
- Employs 40-50 people
