C-SPAN will play a central role in broadcasting events tied to the nation’s 250th birthday after being named an official media partner of the U.S. Semi-quincentennial Commission, the bipartisan body tasked by Congress to oversee the “America 250” commemoration.
The partnership will see C-SPAN devote more airtime than any other outlet to the celebration of the Declaration of Independence’s signing, with a pledge of at least 48 hours of America 250 programming each week across its television channels. In addition to live event coverage, programming will stream across C-SPAN’s digital platforms, including its website, social media feeds, YouTube, radio, and podcasts.
“For almost 50 years, C-SPAN has given Americans a front-row seat to unfiltered democracy in action,” said Sam Feist, the network’s chief executive. “Through our distribution partners — including cable and satellite providers, YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV — we will continue that mission by showcasing America 250 events and highlighting the historic debates, decisions and moments that have shaped our democracy. This partnership is a continuation of C-SPAN’s enduring commitment to civic education and transparency.”
Rosie Rios, the Chair of America 250, said the collaboration underscored the shared goal of keeping citizens informed during a pivotal milestone in the country’s history.
“C-SPAN embodies the democratic values at the heart of our nation: Openness, accountability and informed dialogue,” Rios said. “As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, this partnership highlights our shared mission to educate, engage and inspire Americans.”
Programming will include coverage of high-profile commemorations, lectures and reenactments tied to the Revolutionary War era and the nation’s founding. Among the first events is the Navy’s 250th anniversary celebration in Philadelphia on October 12, capped by a “Victory at Sea” concert on Independence Mall featuring Patti LaBelle and hosted by actor and former Marine Rob Riggle. A formal commemoration will follow the next day at Independence Hall.
On October 17, biographer Ron Chernow, author of “Hamilton” and “Washington: A Life,” will receive the Liberty Medal at the National Constitution Center. Later that month, filmmaker Ken Burns will deliver remarks on George Washington’s leadership during the Revolutionary War at Mount Vernon.
Additional events include the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary commemoration on November 10 in Philadelphia, a reenactment of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River on December 14 in Pennsylvania, and a Boston Tea Party reenactment on December 16.
C-SPAN and America 250 programming will also highlight multi-city celebrations in 2026, including “Sail 250,” a summer event that will bring tall ships from around the world to U.S. ports, with a main gathering in New York and stops in New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore and Boston. That same year, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is expected to open in North Dakota.
Coverage will culminate on July 4, 2026, with live programming from Independence Day celebrations in Washington, Philadelphia and New York.
The commission was created by Congress in 2016 to organize national recognition of the semi-quincentennial. While many events will be staged at historical sites, the partnership with C-SPAN is aimed at ensuring the programming reaches a national audience.
C-SPAN was created in 1979 and is funded by the pay television industry, including cable and satellite platforms that carry its linear multiplex. The channels offer coverage of the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, various Congressional committees and events tied to political affairs. Two of C-SPAN’s channels are available in the “MyNews” package on DirecTV, and the channels will be added to Hulu with Live TV and YouTube TV later this year.
