In 1986, C-SPAN2 was added to cover the activities of the Senate. It is, and always has been, totally subsidized by the industry. In an ironic economic sense, the largest cable companies are both C-SPAN's greatest benefactors and detractors, since its largest supporters control the markets where it has lost the most air time. I n order to retain its unique nonpartisan voice, C-SPAN does not intend to accept advertising or to look to the government for a solution. Intense lobbying from the group restored full carriage of C-SPAN within 5 weeks.
T here are some bright spots on the horizon.
At a recent cable industry meeting the new president of TCI pledged to reinstate C-SPAN services, possibly yielding to pressure exerted by several grassroots protests. A decision for the cable industry in Turner v. FCC could allow cable systems which eliminated C- SPAN the freedom to bring it back into their lineups. I was reminded while researching this article that the cable industry is a changeable one, where cable channels come and go. All rights reserved.