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Just the facts C-SPAN offers its viewers unedited, unbiased, commercial free, coverage of the political process. The 20-year old, non-profit network was created and is funded solely by the cable industry. When it debuted in 1977, C-SPAN was a nine-hour, five-day-a-week network featuring live coverage of the U.S. House of Representatives. Today the channel broadcasts House and Senate coverage, live congressional hearings, and government press conferences 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and has a sister station called C-SPAN2. The first global satellite television network, C-SPAN beams its programs to 90 countries around the globe. C-SPAN's board of directors, made up of executives from the cable industry, has control over network policy and financial matters, but is not involved in the editorial process. The network receives five cents from every cable subscriber whose provider offers C-SPAN. This allows it to concentrate on delivering public affairs and other political information without worries about alienating advertisers. Because it is funded by the industry, the network has been threatened from time to time with the prospect of replacement by commercial networks; but the public has always fought to keep C-SPAN on the air. C-SPAN today Today, C-SPAN reaches 75 million households, and C-SPAN2 reaches 53 million. The company now employs a staff or 244, and makes it all happen with an annual budget of $431 million. According to a survey by the Freedom Forum, only six out of every ten Americans vote. The same ratio of Americans says they watch C-SPAN regularly. Further research has shown that C-SPAN viewers are considerably more knowledgeable about political issues than the average American. Auxiliary businesses When it first launched, the Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network had four employees and a 500-foot office. It operated on an annual budget of $456k. By 1980 C-SPAN was covering its first presidential election. That year it also introduced the concept of the nationwide viewer call-in program. In 1984, the network began covering the Democratic and Republican national conventions. Every four years since then, it has further expanded its election time coverage. C-SPAN2 was test-launched in June 1986, and became a 24-hour network the following year. In addition to public policy programs, C-SPAN's sister network features a Friday night "business block" and "Book TV" - 48 hours of weekend programming dedicated to books and publishing. From 8 am on Saturdays to 8 am on Mondays, the network features programs and live call-in forums focused on nonfiction books, authors, and the publishing industry. Among these programs is Booknotes, C-SPAN's popular author-interview program, hosted by CEO Brian Lamb. In 1989, the company launched C-SPAN Audio Networks - two cable channels featuring foreign English-language newscasts from around the world, as well as a simulcast of the BBC World Service through cable operators and the World Wide Web. C-SPAN RADIO 90, the most recent audio offering, is offered in the Washington DC area and on the Web. The company Web site (www.c-span.org) offers a variety of services, including access to online audio and video programming and helpful tools from the "C-SPAN in the Classroom" program. CSPAN2's Book TV site (www.booktv.org) has archived segments and a schedule of Book TV programs. C-SPAN recently unveiled a studio-on-wheels in the shape of a school bus that travels around to local schools promoting participation in politics.
Click on "Job Opportunities at C-SPAN" on the network's Web site for information on openings. "They are really into promoting from within," one insider remarks, "but they do advertise openings." Interested parties can also call the regularly job hotline for a list of current openings. In addition to interviews, candidates are subjected to background and reference checks. The programming operations, technical, and marketing departments are the most active recruiters. The company carefully screens applicants and favors those who have industry experience and an attitude conducive to a career in public service broadcasting. Contacts say, "if you're applying for a job in programming operations or promotions, they'll give you a quiz on public affairs. They want to make sure you know what's going on in the world." So don't forget to bone up on your current events, "and make sure you know who the major players in Washington are."
A non-traditional network The "young, progressive" people at C-SPAN say "the best thing about working here is the fact that we can really make a difference by delivering quality programming." However, "C-SPAN doesn't really act like a television network." One insider remarks, "if you're more interested in the business of television, you should try somewhere else." C-SPAN is "not as high-pressure as a for-profit network," adds another, "which makes for a good working environment." "C-SPAN's committment to open dialogue and exchange is alive and well throughout the office," comments a source. "There is no such thing as on-air talent," that source explains. "Usually, the hosts (including CEO Brian Lamb and co-COO Susan Swain) are also the producers." Insiders also appreciate the fact that Brian Lamb "is always around the office, talking to people to find out what we're learning and what we think." Employee advancement: likely Sources say "the average age at the company is 34." C-SPAN is known for "a good mix" as far women and minorities are concerned. Though overall, the corporate culture "is pretty conservative," insiders insist that "it is still very open and innovative." Remarks one young insider, "for me, going to work is like working at college. The people I work with are dedicated and very motivated." Says another, "there are always opportunities to demonstrate leadership skills. And the opportunities for advancement are excellent." Good people, good work Sources report that "dress is always formal," and "that code is strictly enforced. There is no casual day." As far as compensation, "we're a non-profit," explains a contact, "so entry level salaries are a bit low." However, "the benefits are excellent" and "salaries were recently raised to keep C-SPAN competitive with the rest of the industry." Says a forthcoming contact: "When it comes down to it, most people at C-SPAN work here because they believe in the product as a non-profit service."
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