The USA’s Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network, more commonly known as C-Span, has entered a partnership with YouTube to celebrate America’s 250-year birthday. The move is seen as part of a strategic move by C-SPAN to embrace emerging platforms.
C-SPAN is a private, non-profit public service created and funded by the cable television industry. It runs three public affairs television networks covering Capitol Hill, the White House and national politics. The network is regard as a go-to source for civic content, but it has been under financial pressure in recent times as a result of the decline in the US cable market – brought about by widespread cord-cutting. Last year, C-SPAN collected $46.3 million in revenue, down from $69m in 2019.
According to YouTube: “Over the next year, C-SPAN will provide comprehensive coverage of official America 250 events happening across the country through livestreams and uploads to YouTube, enabling Americans from every corner of the country to experience the magic of America 250 on every screen.”
As part of the celebration, C-SPAN’s three channels—C-SPAN, C-SPAN2, and C-SPAN3—will stream on YouTube TV. YouTube will also increase its presence on the main YouTube platform, where viewers can access their content for free. Currently, C-SPAN has approximately 1.64 millions subscribers on the platform.
“Through this partnership, Americans will have access to content that showcases the creators and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future, explores American pastimes and music, and takes a look back at the key historical moments that shaped our nation,” said Mary Ellen Coe, chief business officer, YouTube.
“For nearly half a century, C-SPAN has partnered with cable and satellite providers who recognise the value of our important public service,” said Sam Feist, CEO, C-SPAN. “We now look forward to working closely with YouTube to bring C-SPAN’s unfiltered coverage of the democratic process to millions more Americans.”
Elsewhere, US media reported that C-SPAN has agreed a separate content distribution deal with Hulu + Live TV.
