After 30 years at CNN, Washington Bureau Chief Sam Feist is departing the network to become the CEO of C-SPAN.
Feist will be just the third CEO in the network’s nearly 50-year history. He’ll succeed co-CEOs Rob Kennedy and Susan Swain, who have held the role since 2012.
“Our democracy needs C-SPAN now more than ever,” said Feist. “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.”
Feist rose to the role of Washington bureau chief at CNN in 2011, and will stay in the role until the end of June, before shifting to his new duties at C-SPAN.
“Out of a small group of excellent finalists, Sam Feist stood out for his deep respect for C-SPAN, his leadership skills, his knowledge of Washington, and his digital transformation bona fides. We are confident that we are leaving C-SPAN in good hands,” Kennedy and Swain said in a joint statement.
