CNN executive Feist named CEO of C-SPAN

CNN executive Sam Feist has been named CEO of C-SPAN, the board of directors of the nonprofit public affairs network announced on Tuesday.

Mr. Feist has served as CNN’s Washington bureau chief since 2011.

“Feist will be only the third CEO in the network’s 45-year history, succeeding co-CEOs Rob Kennedy and Susan Swain, who have served in this role since 2012, and founding CEO Brian Lamb, who remains on the cable network’s board of directors,” C-SPAN said in a written statement shared with The Washington Times.

C-SPAN said Mr. Feist is “an editorial leader, a digital and television innovator, and has deep relationships throughout the Washington media and politics community.”

“As senior vice president and Washington bureau chief, Feist heads CNN’s D.C. bureau which includes the network’s largest newsgathering operation. He also leads the digital and editorial transformation of CNN en Español, CNN’s Spanish-language network,” the statement said.

Mr. Feist graduated from Vanderbilt University, earned a law degree from Georgetown University and is an active member of the D.C. Bar.

“Our democracy needs C-SPAN now more than ever,” Mr. Feist said in a statement. “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,” he said.

Mr. Feist will remain at CNN through the end of June to assist with his transition at the network. He’ll begin his CEO duties at C-SPAN in late summer.

Mr. Kennedy will depart C-SPAN on Friday. Ms. Swain will continue as the sole CEO until the new arrival takes over.