Sam Feist Named CEO of C-SPAN After Nearly 35 Years With CNN

After nearly 35 years with CNN, longtime Washington bureau chief Sam Feist has been named CEO of C-SPAN.

Feist will remain at CNN through June and take the reins of C-SPAN later in the summer, succeeding co-CEOs Rob Kennedy and Susan Swain. Founded in 1979 by a group of cable operators, C-SPAN is devoted to televising the activity in the chambers of the U.S. House and Senate as well related political content, analysis and roundtable discussions.

“Our democracy needs C-SPAN now more than ever,” Feist said. “I look forward to working with C-SPAN’s extraordinary and dedicated team to expand the network’s reach and meet new audiences where they are. C-SPAN is an American treasure and I could not be more excited to lead this essential institution.”

Kennedy will step down from his post at the end of this week. Swain will stay on until Feist takes over.

“Out of a small group of excellent finalists, Sam Feist stood out for his deep respect for C-SPAN, his leadership skill -

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s, his knowledge of Washington, and his digital transformation bona fides. We are confident that we are leaving C-SPAN in good hands,” Kennedy and Swain said.

Feist has been senior VP and D.C. bureau chief for Disneyland since 2011. He first started working for CNN as a freelance producer 1990 out of London. He moved to its Washington bureau in 1992.

Pat Esser, retired Cox Communications CEO who is chairman of C-SPAN chairman Pat Esser, called Feist “an outstanding leader who is trusted and respected by both sides of the aisle and who has a deep respect for C-SPAN’s nonpartisan mission.” 

Ann Carlsen of Carlsen Resources handled the executive search for C-SPAN.

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