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Montana Steell
Bahamas
C-SPAN Access: XM Satellite Radio

4/02/04: WASHINGTON, DC

When I first saw C-SPAN, I hated it. But, of course, I was only eight years old at the time. For as long as I can remember, my father has tuned in to Washington Journal the first thing every morning. Back then, I wanted to watch Bugs Bunny instead of adults discussing what seemed to be monotonous issues for hours on end.

My name is Montana Steell, and I am fourteen-years-old. I live with my family aboard a sailboat, presently in the Bahamas. These days, we listen to C-SPAN over a satellite radio.

Although it has been only a few years since the time when I despised any programming that was not produced for children, I have come to enjoy the voices of your moderators echoing through out boat. My younger brother and I do home school, so when the school bell rings, the radio is switched off, and our studies begin. Usually, before surrendering to doing my algebra peacefully, there is an impromptu debate over the war, and the social problems of our time, often first discussed on C-SPAN. In our political arguments, Dad, trying to get me to see all the opinions clearly, often represents opposite views, even if he does not agree with them.

Although C-SPAN is not formally a part of home school, it has become a large part of my education. I know that C-SPAN will play the same role for my brother, when his obsession with Sponge Bob fades, and he becomes more concerned with issues of consequence.


ONLINE PRESS KIT >>

Contest Winners
Read the essays of the 25 contest winners.

Press Releases
Sep. 28, 2005 -- Winners Named in C-SPAN Viewer Essay Contest Marking 25 Years of Viewer Calls

Sep. 14, 2005 -- C-SPAN Marks 25 Years Of Viewer Calls-Ins With LIVE, 25-Hour Call-In Program On Oct. 7

Aug. 17, 2005 -- C-SPAN Marks 25 Years Of Viewer Calls-Ins With LIVE, 25-Hour Call-In Program On Oct. 7

News Articles
The Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY) - Oct. 10, 2005
Talkers Magazine - Cover Story Oct. 2005
Jewish World Review - Columnist David Brooks, Nov. 1999

History of Call-Ins on Radio and Television
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Evolution of Call-Ins on C-SPAN
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More about C-SPAN's 25 Years of Viewer Call-Ins
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