C-SPAN has named Comcast Cable President and CEO Dave Watson chairman of its board executive committee. The 15-member board of directors is comprised of top executives of cable operating companies.
Separately at its annual meeting in New York City, the Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network tapped Altice USA CEO Dexter Goei and Wide Open West CEO Steven Cochran to its board.
Meanwhile, Pat McAdaragh, president and CEO of Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based operator Midco, and Allan Block, chairman of Toledo, Ohio-based Block Communications, were re-elected for two-year board-seat positions. Longtime board member Bob Miron, formerly chairman of Bright House Communications before it was purchased by Charter, was re-elected as senior director.
For his part, Watson will chair a seven-member executive committee that’s authorized to set C-SPAN’s strategy and oversee the cable network’s finances.
Other executive committee members include McAdaragh, Charter Chairman and CEO Tom Rutledge, Cox Communications President Pat Esser, Evans Telecommunications Chairman and CEO John Evans, Mediacom Chairman CEO Rocco Commisso and C-SPAN Executive Chairman Brian Lamb.
Watson replaced Neil Smit as chief executive of Comcast’s cable operation earlier this year, with the former Navy SEAL stepping back due to what he described as health reasons. Watson is now replacing Smit as executive committee chair for C-SPAN, as well.
"We deeply appreciate Neil Smit's 12 years of service to our board, especially the last year as chairman, and are delighted Dave Watson is stepping into the role to help guide our strategic direction during this period of rapid change in media," Lamb said in a statement. "We welcome Dexter Goei and Steven Cochran bringing new perspectives and the support of their companies to our public service mission."