C-SPAN on the Cutting Edge

August 31, 2010: C-SPAN Marketing Representative, Jennifer Curran, began her Rotary presentation with an overview of C-SPAN’s (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network) history, purpose and funding. She also explained the networks recent expansions and social media presence.

Jennifer reported that over the past 31 years, C-SPAN has grown from 3 million to 100 million homes. She described this growth as a “huge milestone” for C-SPAN. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, C-SPAN popularity is due in part to their ability not to air commercials as well as provide reporting on all political views. Jennifer also noted C-SPAN’s recent upgrade to HD (High Definition) and its no-napping deterrent effect during House and Senate live coverage!

To provide a better understanding of C-SPAN’s television presence, Jennifer explained the network’s three channels:

C-SPAN provides uninterrupted live coverage of the United States House of Representatives and also airs Washington Journal live every morning.

C-SPAN2 provides uninterrupted live coverage of the United States Senate and also airs Book TV on weekends.

C-SPAN3 features other uninterrupted live public affairs events and airs a large amount of archived historical programming branded as C-SPAN3 History.

Although, most commonly known for their “gavel to gavel” cover, Jennifer described C-SPAN’s popular American Perspective program. Celebrities and political figures ranging from Cher and Bono to Clarence Thomas have all appeared on the program. Jennifer recounted Cher’s Washington Journal call-in that resulted in her American Perspective appearance where she spoke about her “Operation Helmet” efforts.

In addition to C-SPAN’s television programs, Jennifer explained the network’s free teaching and student resources. Coupled with their community outreach efforts, C-SPAN’s new 45′ customized “Digital Bus” engages visitors of all ages through interactive multimedia. “Digital Bus visitors will experience C-SPAN’s unique public affairs content across high-tech platforms such as HD-TV, the internet, and radio, encouraging customers to follow ‘Washington, your way.’ Hands-on demonstrations will feature the C-SPAN Video Library and the network’s social media offerings and there are special resources for civics teachers and their students.” [source: cspan.org]

After Jennifer’s presentation, Rotarians were invited to board and explore the Digital Bus where visitors were able to experience C-SPAN’s cutting edge media and educational technology.

Reported by Teal Van Saun, Keyway Committee