Daily Tech News Show Why C-Span’s YouTube Deal Is a Precedent - DTNS Weekend
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Sep 13, 2025 Peter Kiley, Senior Vice President at C-SPAN, shares insights into their groundbreaking agreement with YouTube TV and Hulu+Live TV. He discusses how this deal represents a shift in media distribution and enhances public access to government proceedings. Kiley also touches on the challenges of transitioning from traditional media to a streaming-focused approach while ensuring financial sustainability. The conversation highlights C-SPAN’s efforts to connect with younger audiences through social media and innovative collaborations.
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C-SPAN's Funding Is Distributor-Led
- C-SPAN is a small 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded primarily by license fees from distributors rather than taxpayers.
- That funding model enables C-SPAN to operate three public-service channels and extensive archival coverage.
Political Pressure Helped Close Streamer Deals
- Streamers initially saw C-SPAN as unnecessary because it brought no direct revenue to them.
- Political pressure and C-SPAN's live content convinced Hulu and YouTube TV to negotiate carriage deals.
Target Big Streamers First
- Prioritize distribution on the largest platforms to regain reach quickly and efficiently.
- Target platforms with millions of subscribers to restore household coverage and license revenue.