CNN’s Washington chief Sam Feist has been named the new CEO of C-SPAN, capping a 34-year career with the cable giant.
Considered a straight-shooting and well-connected journalist with CNN, Feist was chosen after a two-month search to replace C-SPAN’s co-CEOs, Rob Kennedy and Susan Swain, who are stepping down this year.
Feist, CNN’s Washington bureau chief and senior vice president, will oversee the public affairs outfit’s continued digital transition and coverage of the 2024 elections.
Feist sounds eager to get to work. “Our democracy needs C-SPAN now more than ever,” he said. “C-SPAN is an American treasure, and I could not be more excited to lead this essential institution.”
Kennedy and Swain indicated that Feist’s selection was an easy one. “Out of a small group of excellent finalists, Sam Feist stood out for his deep respect for C-SPAN, his leadership skills, his knowledge of Washington, and his digital transformation bona fides,” the duo said. “We are confident that we are leaving C-SPAN in good hands.”
Feist trades a network that has been in a bit of turmoil for one of the steadiest media operations in Washington. For example, founder Brian Lamb is still on the C-SPAN board, and many top executives have worked at the outlet for decades.
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At CNN, Mark Thompson, named CEO late last year, praised Feist. “In my short time at CNN, I have come to know and appreciate Sam’s passion for CNN, for our people, and for political journalism and will miss his good counsel,” Thompson said. He called Feist “an institution.”
At a time when Washington has become more partisan and politicians and media have taken sides, Feist has always moved easily among all sides and is welcomed by Democrats and Republicans, even the most conservative groups.
