When C-SPAN was founded
in 1979, it was premised on utilizing then state-of-the-art media technology -- coaxial cable and satellites -- to deliver "democracy unfiltered" directly to the screens of the average American. Or at
least those who could afford a cable or satellite TV subscription.
Nearly half a century later, the electronic media landscape has evolved and so has CSPAN,
which now delivers the same live and recorded coverage of all things federal government to any internet-connected screen via
cspan.org.
But what's next, and
who will fund the 501c3 nonprofit media organization, which receives no government funding and relies solely on TV licensing fees, viewer donations and digital advertising sales?
That's
something veteran nonprofit exec Adele Hixon-Day will help answer as C-SPAN's first Chief Development Officer.
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Her appointment marks an important step -- at an important time for
democracy -- to help expand and diversify C-SPAN's financial support and strengthen it for a future that undoubtedly will need it more than ever.
“There is a tremendous opportunity to
connect people and organizations who care about democracy, civic education and access to trusted information with C-SPAN’s mission," Hixon-Day said upon her appointment.
Hixon-Day, who
most recently served as Chief Advancement Officer of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, will be leaning on her 15 years of experience building relationships with
foundations, major donors and individual supporters to help C-SPAN expand and diversify into the future.