Congressman Flood Celebrates C-SPAN, Calls on Streaming Services to Offer Outlet

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood delivered remarks on the House Floor celebrating C-SPAN’s 46 years on air. Congressman Flood also urged TV live streaming services, including Hulu and YouTube TV, to carry C-SPAN similar to cable and satellite providers. 

Congressman Flood and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) previously sent a letter to FuboTV, Hulu, and YouTubeTV on carrying C-SPAN, which can be read here.

A video of his speech can be found by clicking here. News outlets are welcome to use the footage for reporting purposes. The full text of Congressman Flood’s speech is provided below.

Mister Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 46th anniversary of C-SPAN's coverage of the U.S. House of Representatives - a milestone in government transparency. For nearly five decades, since March of 1979, C-SPAN has provided the American people with unfiltered, gavel-to-gavel coverage of the debates and decisions that shape our nation. It is a service that strengthens our democracy and fosters accountability.

This incredible resource exists thanks to the commitment of America's cable and satellite providers, who voluntarily fund C-SPAN as a nonprofit service. 

But let's be clear: Millions of Americans are being denied access to this vital coverage because major TV streaming platforms like “YouTube TV” and “Hulu Plus Live TV” refuse to carry C-SPAN. At a time when trust in government is more important than ever, no company should be standing in the way of public access to democracy and the inner workings of our constitutional republic.

I urge “YouTube TV,” “Hulu Plus Live TV,” and all streaming providers to do the right thing: carry C-SPAN and give their customers the same access to government that cable and satellite viewers have. The American people deserve nothing less.

Thank you, and I yield back.