Feist: A Career in News Production and Leadership
From an entry-level internship to the helm of a major public affairs network, Feist has spent decades shaping the landscape of American political broadcasting. With a career defined by high-stakes election coverage and the creation of influential news programs, his trajectory reflects a deep commitment to newsgathering and civil discourse.
The CNN Years: From Intern to Executive
Feist's journey in professional journalism began in 1989 when he joined CNN as an intern. His early career was marked by rapid movement and growth, serving as a freelance producer in London in 1990 before securing a full-time position in Atlanta in 1991. By 1992, he had transitioned to the network's Washington, D.C. news bureau, placing him at the center of American political reporting.
Over the next decade, Feist became a pivotal figure in CNN's programming. In August 2005, he served as the founding executive producer of The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, a cornerstone of the network's daily news cycle.
Leadership in Political Coverage
Between 2006 and 2008, Feist took on the roles of political director and senior executive producer for political coverage. His expertise in managing complex broadcasts was further recognized in 2009 when he was named vice president of Washington-based programming.
By 2011, Feist reached a senior leadership peak at CNN, being named senior vice president and chief of the Washington, D.C. news bureau. In this capacity, he oversaw all newsgathering and production operations for the region.
Production Portfolio and Election Night
Throughout his tenure, Feist produced several high-profile shows, including Crossfire, Capital Gang, Evans & Novak, and Inside Politics. One of his most critical responsibilities occurred during election broadcasts, where he was tasked with the high-pressure role of projecting the winners.
Transition to C-SPAN and Promoting Civil Discourse
In May 2024, Feist entered a new chapter of his career when he was named the chief executive officer (CEO) of C-SPAN, succeeding co-CEOs Susan Swain and Robert Kennedy.
Drawing on his previous experience with Crossfire, Feist launched a new initiative in 2025 called Ceasefire. This panel discussion series is designed to bring Republicans and Democrats together to engage in civil discourse, aiming to foster productive conversation across the political divide.
Key Facts
- CNN Start: Began as an intern in 1989.
- Major Launch: Founding executive producer of The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer (2005).
- Executive Roles: Served as CNN's political director (2006–2008) and SVP/Chief of the D.C. bureau (2011).
- C-SPAN Leadership: Appointed CEO in May 2024.
- New Initiative: Created the Ceasefire series in 2025 for bipartisan civil discourse.
| Year | Role/Achievement | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Intern | CNN |
| 1990 | Freelance Producer (London) | CNN |
| 2005 | Founding Executive Producer, The Situation Room | CNN |
| 2006-2008 | Political Director & Senior Executive Producer | CNN |
| 2011 | SVP and Chief of Washington, D.C. Bureau | CNN |
| 2024 | Chief Executive Officer | C-SPAN |
| 2025 | Creator of Ceasefire series | C-SPAN |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Feist become the CEO of C-SPAN?
Feist was named the chief executive officer of C-SPAN in May 2024, taking over from co-CEOs Susan Swain and Robert Kennedy.
What is the purpose of the Ceasefire series?
Created in 2025, Ceasefire is a panel discussion series intended to bring Republicans and Democrats together for civil discourse.
Which major CNN program did Feist help found?
Feist was the founding executive producer of The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, which premiered in August 2005.
What was Feist's role during election night broadcasts?
During election broadcasts at CNN, Feist was responsible for projecting the winners of the races.
What other shows did Feist produce during his time at CNN?
In addition to The Situation Room, he produced Crossfire, Capital Gang, Evans & Novak, and Inside Politics.