[4] At the beginning of each program, the host reads noteworthy articles and editorials from current newspapers and periodicals as viewers discuss a timely topic chosen by C-SPAN.

In multiple segments following, the host interviews guests invited to discuss a specific political or legislative issue and takes calls from the public.

[9] In the fall of 2006, the Washington Journal recorded two shows in New Orleans and set up a call-in line for locals to tell their stories from Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

The Washington Journal uses no delay, so obscene or other objectionable language will occasionally be heard, though offending callers are normally cut off promptly.

Callers are asked to wait 30 days between phoning in, though this rule is pointed out to be violated by the program's regular viewers occasionally.

On August 21 and 22, 2006, a remote broadcast was set up in the city to interview key players, including U.S. senators David Vitter and Mary Landrieu, and local homeowners.

[6] Among C-SPAN's primarily anonymous callers, recording artist and entertainer Cher made waves by calling into the show on October 27, 2003.