Maybe video didn’t kill the radio star after all.
Political affairs network C-SPAN is simulcasting several nationally-syndicated radio shows on its multiplex cable networks over the next several weeks, marking a rare departure from the channel’s cornerstone mission of providing non-partisan coverage of political events.
This week, C-SPAN is simulcasting select hours of “The Hugh Hewitt Show” from Salem Media Group and “The Stephanie Miller Show” from Westwood One, with the broadcasts appearing on one of its three cable networks and streaming through the C-SPAN website and app for authenticated subscribers.
Reached by e-mail, a C-SPAN spokesperson confirmed the simulcasts are rooted in the network’s tradition of offering its viewers select radio programs when Congress is not in session, including the summer lull between mid-July and mid-August, when many lawmakers return home.
As described, the simulcasts allow C-SPAN to fill out its schedule with live and fresh programming until lawmakers return to Washington and floor votes and committee hearings resume.
In the past, C-SPAN has offered simulcasts of radio shows from a number of well-known broadcasters, including Don Imus, Rush Limbaugh, Larry King, Tom Joyner, Diane Rehm and Kathy Hughes. On more than one occasion, the network has also offered simulcasts of certain programs like NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
“Now, in 2026, with Congress out in August, this is a good time to continue this tradition and bring various viewpoints and news-makers to our audience,” the spokesperson said.
C-SPAN’s choice of simulcasting Hewitt and Miller’s programs is meant to provide a partisan balance — Hewitt’s show is favored by conservatives, while Miller has a strong progressive audience.
Next week, C-SPAN will simulcast three more radio programs: The Michael Smerconish Program, the Thom Hartmann Program and the Howie Carr Show. The shows will air across C-SPAN’s weekday schedule, except for the Michael Smerconish Program, which will not air on Friday.
C-SPAN is supported by the cable and satellite television industry, with its channels available on DIRECTV, Dish Network, Comcast’s Xfinity, Charter’s Spectrum TV, Optimum TV, Verizon Fios and others. Streaming services YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV also have agreements to offer the full C-SPAN multiplex to their subscribers.
A study released last year found C-SPAN’s audience is near-evenly split along partisan and ideological lines, with a 1 point difference between Republican and Democratic viewers. The majority of C-SPAN’s audience identifies as moderate, the study showed. The survey was conducted by Magid on behalf of C-SPAN.
