C-SPAN’s Fight for Survival in the Streaming Era

Source: Vanity Fair

Declining Viewership and Revenue Crisis

As cable television continues to decline, C-SPAN, a long-standing public affairs network, faces an existential crisis. Once available in nearly 100 million homes, the network’s reach has decreased drastically, now serving only around 51 million households. This drop in distribution has led to a significant revenue decline for C-SPAN, which is entirely funded through fees from cable and satellite providers. Executives estimate that C-SPAN’s revenue has decreased by approximately 35% since 2018, with this year’s expenses surpassing revenue by about $8 million.

C-SPAN’s CEO Sam Feist expressed deep concern about the network’s financial trajectory, emphasizing that the current model is “not sustainable.” Depending almost entirely on a nominal monthly fee of just 7.25 cents per household, the financial backing that has traditionally supported the channel evaporates as subscribers cut ties with their cable providers.

Attempts to Embrace Streaming Services

In a bid to adapt to the changing environment, C-SPAN aims to join multichannel streaming platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo. However, these streaming giants have largely rejected C-SPAN’s inclusion in their channel lineups, citing a lack of subscriber interest as the core reason. YouTube TV spokesperson explained that adding C-SPAN to their service wouldn’t justify the increased cost for subscribers, even though C-SPAN maintains its own channel on YouTube.com for users seeking on-demand content.

Fubo, currently merging with Disney-owned Hulu, has indicated a willingness to discuss potential carriage agreements but provided no specifics. Overall, C-SPAN’s attempts to penetrate these streaming platforms have been met with resistance, which Feist describes as a critical blow to public access to government activities.

Urgent Appeals from Legislators

Recognizing the value C-SPAN provides by broadcasting congressional sessions and other governmental events, some lawmakers have taken up the cause to ensure its survival. In January, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Representative Mike Flood (R-Nebr.) wrote to the CEOs of YouTube, Fubo, and Hulu, emphasizing the importance of having C-SPAN available for current subscribers. They aptly pointed out that the relatively low cost of adding C-SPAN—compared to other networks like CNN and Fox News—should be an easy decision for the platforms to make.

Senator Wyden voiced his concern, labeling the situation “disappointing and frankly embarrassing,” questioning how a prominent corporation like Google could overlook such a minimal cost that serves the public interest.

The Future of C-SPAN in a Changing Landscape

Despite its challenges, C-SPAN holds a unique position as a neutral platform providing unfiltered access to the workings of Congress. Established in 1979, it was designed to bring government transparency to the public, offering continuous coverage of sessions and hearings with no editorial bias. With its commitment to neutrality, C-SPAN remains a vital resource for civil engagement and transparency.

Feist’s push for C-SPAN to adapt to modern platforms underlines the urgency for the channel to remain relevant in a shifting media landscape increasingly dominated by on-demand streaming services. He remarked, “I want C-SPAN to be here to fulfill its mission no matter how the distribution platforms change.”

In a world where traditional television struggles to maintain its foothold, C-SPAN’s endeavor to transition to streaming channels encapsulates a broader trend in media consumption. As more viewers shift away from cable, the survival of C-SPAN—and the important democratic function it serves—hangs in the balance.

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C-SPAN, streaming services, cable television decline, government transparency, public affairs network, Sam Feist, YouTube TV, Ron Wyden, Fubo, Hulu