One-half of the C-SPAN executive ranks, along with Rob Kennedy, Swain steers a steady ship in today’s turbulent political and media waters. The cable bastion is a trusted source for its neutrality in news gathering and delivery—and that’s just the way Swain and company like it. Viewers get a virtual seat in the room where it happens, and they are privy to a gaggle of data they can parse at will thanks to the work of C-SPAN archivists. That includes the net’s fascinating annual year-end score card of House, Senate and White House goings-on, such as how many measures were enacted into law and how many hours the House and Senate were in session. Swain cites “the increased level of public interest and engagement in politics and the big upswing in women running for office” as a dramatic change in her neck of the media woods.
What’s a recent example of a step forward for women in the media industry?
Discovery’s appointment of Kathleen Finch as chief lifestyle brands officer, who is spearheading cross-network and cross platform content development for the combined Discovery and Scripps networks.
Who is an inspirational woman you admire, and why?
Katherine Johnson, winner of Presidential Medal of Freedom and profiled in the movie Hidden Figures, whose achievements helped send mankind to the moon and inspires minority youth and young women in general to achieve in math and science.
What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs. three years ago?
The increased level of public interest and engagement in politics and the big upswing in women running for office.
