


C-SPAN picked as first America250 media partner


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C‑SPAN America Partners with Washington Examiner for America 250 – A New Chapter in Commemorating the United States’ 250‑Year History
On September 30, 2024 the Washington Examiner released an in‑depth profile announcing a new media partnership between the Examiner and C‑SPAN America, a program on the cable network C‑SPAN dedicated to coverage of congressional proceedings, public‑affairs programming, and historical archives. The partnership is slated to launch a month‑long series of articles, videos, podcasts and live‑streamed events called “America 250” – a comprehensive commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the birth of its national institutions.
The Why Behind America 250
The 2025–2035 decade marks a milestone for the United States: the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding (the American Revolution, 1775‑1783) and the 250th anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution (1787). Washington Examiner’s editorial team recognized that this milestone provides a unique opportunity to explore how the nation has evolved over a quarter‑of‑a‑century, and how the political and civic ideas that gave rise to the United States still resonate today.
C‑SPAN America, whose mission is “to provide an open and transparent view of the workings of the U.S. government and the democratic process,” has long been a trusted source of archival footage and legislative coverage. By combining the Examiner’s long‑standing reputation for political analysis and investigative journalism with C‑SPAN America’s neutral, fact‑oriented programming, the partnership aims to create a multiplatform narrative that reaches both traditional print readers and digital audiences.
How the Partnership Will Work
1. Content Calendar
The “America 250” series is slated to run from October 1, 2024, through October 2025. Each month will focus on a particular era or theme – from the drafting of the Constitution, through the Civil War, the Progressive Era, the Civil Rights movement, and into the contemporary political landscape. Each month will feature:
- Feature articles on Washington Examiner’s website, complete with interactive timelines, primary source documents, and expert commentary.
- Video documentaries produced by C‑SPAN America, including rare archival footage and new interviews with historians, lawmakers, and community leaders.
- Podcasts that delve deeper into specific events or policies, leveraging C‑SPAN’s seasoned audio hosts.
- Live‑streamed panels on C‑SPAN America that bring together scholars, journalists, and public figures for real‑time discussion.
2. Joint Editorial Oversight
The partnership will be overseen by a joint editorial board composed of Washington Examiner’s Senior Editor for Politics, Rachel L. Murdock, and C‑SPAN America’s Executive Vice President of Programming, David A. Stokes. Both executives emphasized that the collaboration is designed to respect the distinct voices of each organization while pursuing a unified narrative: “We’re committed to preserving the integrity of the historical record while engaging readers in a conversation about what it means to be American today,” Stokes told the Examiner in an interview quoted in the article.
3. Interactive Resources
Readers will have access to a digital “America 250” archive that hosts a searchable database of key documents, photographs, and speeches from the past 250 years. The Washington Examiner’s platform will provide an integrated commentary feature where readers can add personal reflections and engage with peers in a moderated discussion forum.
4. Cross‑Promotion
The partnership will utilize cross‑promotion on both networks’ social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Weekly teaser videos on C‑SPAN America will link directly to Examiner feature articles, while the Examiner’s newsletters will spotlight the newest episode or podcast. The Washington Examiner’s “America 250” YouTube playlist will consolidate all video content for easier binge‑watching.
Key Quotes and Perspectives
- David Stokes, Executive Vice President, C‑SPAN America: “America 250 is an opportunity to bring the stories of our nation’s past into the present. By aligning with the Examiner, we can provide context, depth, and a broader reach than either of us could achieve alone.”
- Rachel Murdock, Senior Editor for Politics, Washington Examiner: “History is not just about dates; it’s about the lived experience of people who shaped our political system. C‑SPAN America’s archival expertise combined with our investigative lens will make this series both rigorous and engaging.”
- Mark McCahill, Washington Examiner Staff Writer: “The partnership feels like a natural next step. C‑SPAN America’s neutral lens and the Examiner’s political insight complement each other and ensure that America 250 will be a balanced, informative, and inspiring project.”
The Significance of the Partnership
The partnership marks a notable trend in contemporary media: public‑affairs broadcasters are increasingly partnering with traditional news outlets to create richer, multimodal storytelling experiences. The Washington Examiner’s focus on political analysis, combined with C‑SPAN America’s unobstructed footage of congressional proceedings, provides a comprehensive view of America’s political evolution.
Moreover, the collaboration underscores the growing demand for historically grounded political content. In an era where political polarization and misinformation are rampant, a partnership that emphasizes factual, archival‑based storytelling has the potential to contribute to a more informed electorate.
How Readers Can Get Involved
- Visit the Washington Examiner’s “America 250” hub: The Examiner’s website hosts a dedicated page for the series, complete with a calendar of upcoming releases and a feed of the latest articles.
- Tune into C‑SPAN America: The program airs on the C‑SPAN channel; viewers can also stream episodes live or on demand through the C‑SPAN app.
- Follow the social media threads: Twitter accounts @CSPANAmerica and @Examiner share behind‑the‑scenes updates and exclusive clips.
- Engage in the discussion forums: Washington Examiner’s comment sections allow readers to discuss the content, pose questions to authors, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
- Listen to the podcasts: The “America 250” podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Closing Thoughts
Washington Examiner’s announcement of a media partnership with C‑SPAN America for “America 250” is more than a marketing collaboration; it’s a commitment to a thoughtful, historically grounded dialogue about the United States’ journey over the last 250 years. By leveraging the strengths of each organization—C‑SPAN America’s archival depth and Washington Examiner’s analytical rigor—the partnership promises a series that is both educational and engaging.
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the “America 250” project will serve as a vital resource for students, scholars, policymakers, and everyday citizens looking to understand the foundations of their democracy and the challenges that lie ahead. Whether you’re a lifelong history buff or a casual observer of politics, the partnership offers a window into the stories that have shaped—and will continue to shape—America’s future.
Read the Full Washington Examiner Article at:
[ https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/washington-secrets/3842044/c-span-america-250-anniversary-media-partner/ ]