As the Republican National Convention (RNC) 2024 unfolded in Milwaukee, in the State of Wisconsin, in America’s mid-west, a notable presence was C-SPAN, the public service network created by the American Cable Television Industry. Known for its unfiltered and comprehensive coverage of United States government proceedings, C-SPAN’s exhibit, “American Presidents Life Portraits,” provided attendees with a profound insight into the lives and legacies of America’s presidents. I had the exclusive opportunity to interview Ms. Robin Newton, C-SPAN’s Media Relations Officer, and meet the welcoming and enthusiastic C-SPAN staff.
C-SPAN’s Legacy of Transparency
C-SPAN has a storied history of providing unedited and unbiased, unfiltered access to government proceedings. Since its inception on March 19, 1979, when it began cablecasting the U.S. House of Representatives live to 3.5 million households, C-SPAN has played a pivotal role in American democracy. By 1984, C-SPAN’s presidential campaign coverage launched with its first-ever complete live coverage of an Iowa caucus, kicking off Campaign ’84. The network has been a fixture at every U.S. political convention since then, televising live, uninterrupted coverage of both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.
In January 1985, a survey by the Media Analysis Project found that an estimated 20.5 million Americans watched C-SPAN each month. Notably, C-SPAN viewers were four times more likely to identify congressional leaders compared to non-C-SPAN viewers, and 93 percent of viewers reported voting in the 1984 election. By 1990, C-SPAN was available in 50 million U.S. homes, and the network aired 1,124 hours of comprehensive coverage of Congress and the Bush administration debating and preparing for the Persian Gulf conflict.
Even the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Press Centers, which cater to foreign journalists, relied on C-SPAN’s unfiltered coverage of the RNC 2024. Throughout the four-day event, foreign journalists accessed comprehensive and unbiased programming, enabling them to provide accurate and detailed reports to their international audiences, as they worked to file their stories. This access allowed for a close-up and nuanced understanding of the Republican National Convention, the U.S. electoral process, and the political dynamics at play, further underscoring C-SPAN’s role in promoting transparency and informed global diplomacy.
Exclusive Interview with Robin Newton
During my visit to the C-SPAN exhibit at the RNC 2024, I interviewed Robin Newton, who shared insights into C-SPAN’s mission and its impact on both domestic and international audiences. Newton emphasized that C-SPAN’s audience transcends borders, with viewers worldwide tuning in to gain an unfiltered view of American government proceedings.
“While we don’t track ratings, we know our audience is diverse, both domestically and internationally. As the media relations specialist, I often see our clips on international websites, indicating a global interest in our content,” Newton explained.
She also highlighted C-SPAN’s unique funding model, which relies on cable and satellite companies rather than traditional advertisements. “We are funded by American cable and satellite companies around the country, ensuring that our content remains free of commercial influence,” Newton noted.
American Presidents Life Portraits Exhibit
The centerpiece of C-SPAN’s exhibit at the RNC 2024 was “The American Presidents Life Portraits.” This remarkable display featured portraits of all 45 U.S. presidents, including the current 46th president, Joe Biden. The exhibit, commissioned in 1999 and created by artist Chas Fagan, travels around America, offering educational insights into the lives of America’s leaders.
“This exhibit is a testament to our commitment to educating the public about American government and history. It includes QR codes on each portrait, providing visitors with additional information about each president,” Newton said.
The exhibit’s impact extends beyond conventions, as it has been displayed in community festivals, malls, libraries, and airports, enriching public understanding of American presidential history.
C-SPAN’s Role in Modern Diplomacy
C-SPAN’s comprehensive coverage of American politics extends beyond mere broadcasting; it acts as a diplomatic bridge, connecting the U.S. political narrative with a global audience. Its work in promoting transparency and providing unfiltered access to U.S. government proceedings has significant implications for global diplomacy, in our modern times. By broadcasting the unedited content enables a worldwide audience to gain a deeper understanding of the American political process. This transparency fosters trust and provides international viewers with a clearer picture of U.S. policies and decision-making processes—helps demystify the complexities of American governance..
The “Oxford Handbook of Modern Diplomacy” highlights the importance of visibility and accountability in governance. C-SPAN’s role aligns with this principle, as it offers a window into the workings of American democracy. For global audiences, particularly those in countries with less transparent political systems, C-SPAN serves as a tool for education and a benchmark for evaluating their own governments.
The Impact on American and Global Audiences
In 1992, C-SPAN’s coverage of the presidential election was unprecedented, offering over 1,200 hours of “Road to the White House” coverage, including conventions, debates, campaign speeches, and other events. This comprehensive coverage contributed to a well-informed electorate, with a 1993 survey finding that 98 percent of registered C-SPAN viewers voted in the 1992 presidential election. Regular viewers increased their consumption of C-SPAN programming from 4.1 to 5.1 hours per week, illustrating the network’s growing influence.
Fast forward to 2017, and a survey by Ipsos found that an estimated 70 million U.S. adults accessed C-SPAN content within the past six months, with 48 million in the past month and 9.5 million engaging several times a week. This survey also revealed that 90 percent of viewers found C-SPAN content valuable. By 2021, Ipsos reported a 21 percent increase in C-SPAN’s audience since 2017, with a growing number of younger users engaging with the content.
C-SPAN’s enduring legacy of transparency and its role in modern diplomacy cannot be overstated. By providing unedited and comprehensive coverage of government proceedings, C-SPAN not only informs the American public but also engages a global audience, promoting a deeper understanding of the U.S. political system. Through unfiltered broadcasts, viewers from around the world can witness firsthand the debates and decisions that shape U.S. domestic and foreign policy. This exposure is crucial in an era where diplomatic relations and international perceptions are increasingly influenced by media representation. By watching events like the recent Republican National Convention, global audiences can gain a clearer perspective on American political dynamics and the key figures driving them. The network’s presence at the RNC 2024, highlighted by the “American Presidents Life Portraits,” which included former President Donald Trump last four years in office, underscores its commitment to education and transparency.
As we reflect on the RNC 2024 and the broader implications of C-SPAN’s work, it is clear that this network plays a crucial role in shaping how the world understands the American presidency, legislature, and electoral process. This includes, as seen in Figure 4., below which depicts that former President Donald J. Trump’s nomination speeches—in 2016, 2020, and 2024—have been the longest in Republican presidential candidate nomination history. In a time when accurate and unbiased information is more critical than ever, C-SPAN stands as a beacon of transparency and an invaluable resource for both domestic and international audiences.
Anyone reflecting on the now-ended RNC 2024 and the broader implications of C-SPAN’s work, it is clear that this network plays a crucial role in shaping how the world understands the American presidency, legislature, and electoral process. In a time when accurate and unbiased information is more critical than ever, C-SPAN stands as a beacon of transparency and an invaluable resource for both domestic and international audiences.
