Over the last few years, C-SPAN has undergone a number of changes. From launching new platforms like C-SPAN Now and C-SPAN Select, to building a TikTok presence and hiring a new CEO in Sam Feist, the network has been positioning itself to reach wider audiences as the technology and media landscapes continue their seismic shifts. Additionally, the network just announced a distribution deal with YouTube TV and Hulu.
C-SPAN was created by the cable industry over 45 years ago to bring unedited coverage of the inner workings of government into living rooms around the country. Since then, the network has grown immensely, always focused on its core mission and values.
Recently, the network has announced new programming like “Ceasefire” and “America’s Book Club” both of which contribute to the network’s slate of celebrated programming. These shows seek to offer important, thoughtful conversations during this current period of political division, as well as keep the network positioned as a home for productive, informative programming.
A notable difference in the new programming under CEO Sam Feist? The network is tapping talent from outside the C-SPAN family, a first for the network, which has a long history of utilizing C-SPAN names as hosts of its shows. While C-SPAN’s homegrown talent remains highly important, this marks a shift in how the network reaches new audiences while staying true to its core values.
“Ceasefire” brings together both sides of the aisle
Earlier this summer, C-SPAN announced that Politico’s Dasha Burns would be hosting their new “Ceasefire” show. The program, debuting this Fall, has its roots in “Crossfire,” which aired on CNN from 1982 through 2005 and featured two opposing pundits on either side of an issue as they debated.
While a producer on “Crossfire,” former show co-host Michael Kinsley pitched Feist on producing a show where panelists focus on areas of agreement instead of division, thus the idea for “Ceasefire” was born.
So on this new show, guests will come together as allies, a move meant to stand out in the current highly partisan political landscape.
As “Ceasefire” Executive Producer Michele Remillard told NCTA:
- “Having the opportunity to produce a program that we think will be productive in terms of the rhetoric, in terms of people having faith in each other, having faith in government, having faith in media, to foster a more productive conversation is a dream come true.”
In fact, the show has already had lawmakers excitedly reaching out with pitches for who across the aisle they already enjoy working with, a side of Washington that many do not see on traditional news programs.
- Remillard explained, “People from both sides want to have these kinds of conversations. And so it’s really refreshing that we’re able to appeal to people on both sides who want to make some headway and have a productive conversation that’s civil and real.” She continued, “We just want to model these healthy conversations on both sides.”
“America’s Book Club” draws big names at iconic locations
Another new program on the horizon is “America’s Book Club” hosted by renowned author, business leader, and interviewer David M. Rubenstein in yet another example of C-SPAN drawing on talent outside of their organization.
“America’s Book Club” invites figures like U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, author John Grisham, and chef José Andrés for conversations at some of America’s most iconic public libraries and cultural landmarks. From the Library of Congress to the National Archives, Rubenstein will dive deep into topics central to the American experiment.
Executive Producer Peter Slen told NCTA:
- “In today’s world, it’s sometimes tough to sit down and read an entire book. It’s much easier to go online and just get the headlines. But the importance of reading is what this comes down to. The importance of the ideas in the reading and how to think critically. And that’s where this whole concept sprang from.”
- “Our goal is complete, unedited, thoughtful conversations that are not a few minutes in length, but an hour long.”
Guests are encouraged to dig deeper into the ideas behind their books and use them as springboards for the larger ideas explored in their writing. In that way, C-SPAN again looks to be a home for thoughtful conversations and discussions, especially at this moment in American political history.
With new distribution platforms and approaches to programming, C-SPAN is well-positioned to continue to grow its audience and advance the core missions it has been committed to for over 45 years. To learn more about C-SPAN’s proud history as cable’s gift to America, be sure to visit NCTA.com.
