C-SPAN launches new branding campaign: Democracy Unfiltered

NEWS AND OPINION:

There’s some change afoot at the nation’s leading public affairs channel, and it begins on Jan. 1.

“Just in time for the new year, C-SPAN unveils new branding: Democracy Unfiltered. The tagline reflects what’s new in America in 2025: A new presidency, a new Congress, a new moment in politics — plus C-SPAN’s enduring commitment to transparency and the belief that an informed public is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy,” the network said in a statement shared with Inside the Beltway.

“With this latest expression of its mission, C-SPAN continues connecting Americans directly with their political leaders from all three branches of government, allowing Americans to make up their own minds. The new slogan will roll out across all C-SPAN platforms, including its television channels, radio broadcasts, website, apps, podcasts, and on social media,“ the network added.

“Democracy Unfiltered captures the essence of what C-SPAN has always been about: providing viewers with direct access to the workings of their government without commentary or editorial bias,” C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist said.

“As the media landscape evolves, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering citizens with the tools they need to engage with democracy on their own terms. This new tagline is a fresh approach to explain our timeless mission,” he said.

‘IN THEIR OWN WORDS’

In the meantime, the aforementioned C-SPAN also launched a “non-stop marathon” on Monday, focused on one distinct group familiar to those who favor the 45th president.

“C-SPAN digs into its archives to present President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees in their own words discussing policy, politics, and their relationship with the President-elect. Hear them on the campaign trail, at think tanks, from the nation’s capital — and C-SPAN’s own studios — talking about the issues that will steer the next Trump administration,” the public affairs cable channel said in a statement shared with Inside the Beltway.

“Marathon airings of these events begin each weekday at 8 a.m. ET on C-SPAN 2, with each event getting three airings throughout the day. Each weekday morning through the end of 2024, a new group of President-elect Trump’s nominees will be featured,” C-SPAN said.

Monday’s cast featured John Ratcliffe (nominee for CIA director), Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida (for secretary of state), Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York (for ambassador to the United Nations), and Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick (for commerce secretary).

On Tuesday, look for Pete Hegseth (nominee for defense secretary), Doug Collins (for veterans affairs secretary), Scott Turner (for housing and urban development secretary), and Brooke Rollins (for agriculture secretary).

The ambitious programming continues through Dec. 31. Find programming information at C-SPAN.org.

ONE FOR THE COAST GUARD

The U.S. Coast Guard revealed Monday that it has accepted ownership of the motor vessel Aiviq, a 360-foot polar class 3-equivalent icebreaker. The vessel was acquired on Dec. 11.

“Upon commissioning, the ship will be renamed Coast Guard Cutter Storis (WAGB 21), marking the second cutter to bear that name. The original Storis, known as the ‘Galloping Ghost of the Alaskan Coast,’ had a storied history conducting icebreaking operations in Alaska and the Arctic,” the Coast Guard said in a press release shared with Inside the Beltway.

“With minimal modifications, the future Storis will be capable of safeguarding U.S. sovereign interests in the Arctic and conducting select Coast Guard missions. The Service will evaluate the vessel’s condition and identify requirements to achieve full operational capability. The vessel will eventually relocate to its permanent homeport in Juneau, Alaska,” the release said.

“This acquisition is a vital step in increasing our operational presence in the Arctic. The future Coast Guard Cutter Storis builds on our legacy of Arctic operations and underscores our commitment to asserting U.S. sovereignty and supporting national security in the region,” said Adm. Linda Fagan, commandant of the Coast Guard.

PENCE HAS A MESSAGE

“In the year ahead, we have much to be hopeful for. With Republicans in control of the House and Senate and the disastrous Biden-Harris Administration out of the White House, we are strategically positioned to restore the Judeo-Christian values that have made America great — values rooted in faith, freedom, and family,” Mike Pence said in a written statement released Monday by Advancing American Freedom.

The former vice president founded this policy and advocacy organization in 2021 to promote “pro-freedom policies” and defend those policies and values from ”liberal attacks and media distortions,” according to a mission statement at the time.

Here’s what Mr. Pence advises these days.

“As we approach this Christmas season, we are reminded of the great gift of grace and life that our Lord has given us — ’In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.’ — John 1:14. As you come together with family and friends, I encourage you to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and keep the spirit of faith and gratitude in your heart. May God bless you and your loved ones this Christmas and throughout the New Year,” Mr. Pence concluded.

POLL DU JOUR

• 75% of U.S. adults are trying to “avoid talking about politics and political topics” during the holiday season.

• 64% of Republicans, 79% of independents and 77% of Democrats agree.

• 75% of Blacks, 74% of Whites and 73% of Hispanics also agree.

• 78% of women and 72% of men also agree.

• 25% are trying to “talk about politics and political topics” during the holiday season.

• 36% of Republicans, 21% of independents and 23% of Democrats agree.

• 25% of Blacks, 26% of Whites and 27% of Hispanics also agree.

• 22% of women and 28% of men also agree.

SOURCE: A CBS News/YouGov survey of 2,244 U.S. adults in the U.S. conducted online Dec. 18-20.

• Contact Jennifer Harper at jharper@washingtontimes.com.