Politics Aside with Chris Cillizza

ABOUT THIS ENTRY

Airing on Monumental Sports Network’s cable channel, App (Monumental +) and in clips across social media platforms, Politics Aside with Chris Cillizza blends the host’s political expertise with his passion for sports, creating an engaging, non-partisan series that explores how athletics shape leadership and American history. By emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, and shared experiences, the show promotes bipartisan dialogue, proving that competition—whether in sports or politics—can unite rather than divide.

How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?

Politics Aside with Chris Cillizza exemplifies “Excellence in Engagement” by setting a new standard for connecting with fans beyond traditional sports programming. By blending politics, history, and sports, the series attracts new audiences such as political enthusiasts and history buffs who may not follow teams closely but are now engaged with team network content. This innovative approach expands the network's portfolio, creating fresh entry points for casual or non-sports fans. Leveraging prominent local and national celebrities, the series generates buzz online while reinforcing the network’s presence. Its evergreen format ensures episodes can be re-aired between live events, maximizing viewership and extending its lifespan. This creative model not only drives broader engagement but also inspires networks to explore unconventional content that captivates diverse audiences.

Objective

Politics Aside with Chris Cillizza was created to align with Monumental Sports Network’s mission to connect its sports brands, and sports more broadly, with Washington, D.C.’s national political scene. As a network based in the heart of the nation’s capital, Monumental Sports and Entertainment saw an opportunity to create an informative and entertaining series that bridges politics and sports in a non-partisan way—designed to engage its regional audience in the Washington Capital Region.

Hosted by seasoned political journalist and passionate sports fan Chris Cillizza, the show blends his deep political expertise with his love of sports, all delivered with a sharp sense of humor.

Through in-depth conversations with members of Congress, Washington insiders, and military officials, Politics Aside uncovers how athletics have shaped leadership and American history. By emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, and shared experiences, the series encourages bipartisan dialogue in today’s divided climate—proving that competition, whether in politics or sports, can inspire mutual respect rather than division.

Strategy & Execution

Strategy: As a Washington, D.C.-based regional sports network, our strategy was to leverage our unique access to high-profile political figures with national recognition. Initially airing on Monumental Sports Network, we expanded reach through YouTube and social media by creating “clip-able content” easily shared by our host, interviewees, and network accounts. This approach broadened the series’ appeal and positioned it well for ad sales.

Our tactics focused on using our D.C. location to secure national political leaders as guests while also capitalizing on host Chris Cillizza’s political expertise and Capitol Hill relationships to attract prominent figures.

Execution: Season 1 delivered an engaging bipartisan series featuring U.S. Senators, House leaders, and a former U.S Army General and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Episodes combined insightful interviews with dynamic segments where guests participated in sports activities like slapshots, pickup basketball, or hiking—filmed at iconic locations such as Capitol Hill, MLB stadiums, and national parks.

Organizations

• Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Links

•   Website

Featured

• Season one feature a variety of nationally recognized political figures. These include the host
• Chris Cillizza… as well as the following:
• Gen. Mark Milley – U.S. Army
• Fmr. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff & College Hockey player (Princeton)
• Rep. Jamie Raskin – D-MD
• U.S. House of Representatives.
• Rep. Eric Swalwell – D-CA
• U.S. House of Representatives. Fmr. Presidential Candidate & D1 Soccer Goalie
• Rep. Burgess Owens – R-UT
• U.S. House of Representatives. Fmr. 1980 NFL Superbowl Champion
• Rep. Lori Trahan – D-MA
• U.S. House of Representatives. Fmr. D1 Georgetown Univ Volleyball Player
• Rep. Pete Stauber – R-MN
• U.S. House of Representatives. Fmr. AHL & D1 College Hockey Player
• Fmr. Rep. Tom McMillen – D-MD
• Fmr U.S. House of Representatives. NBA Player & 1972 Olympian
• Rep. Greg Stuebe – R-FL
• U.S. House of Representatives.
• Rep. Mike Quigley – D-IL
• U.S. House of Representatives.
• Reggie Love – Duke Univ. Football Player & NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion
• Fmr. Special Assistant to President Obama.
• Sen. Mark Warner – D-VA
• U.S. Senate
• Fmr. Sen. Ben Cardin – D-MD
• U.S. Senate

Credits

Jim Kowats
Executive Producer
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

David Konschnik
Supervising Producer
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Sam Schachter
Producer
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Jamie Pickell
Editor
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Scott DeGraw
Producer
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Robyn Salzman
Associate Producer
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Evan Smith
Assistant Editor
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Brenton Gregory-Morley
Online Editor
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Thomas Jacobi
Director of Photography
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Chris Cillizza
Host
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Amy Boyce
Director of Production
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Scott Silberstein
Sr. Media Manager
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Delaney Murtaugh
Sr. Manager of Creative Operations
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Patrick Hare
Production Manager
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Amina Ragheb
Post Production Coordinator
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Joe Kirchner
Editor
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Cindy D'Agostino
Editor
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Alison Huffman
Associate Producer
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Brett Wiley
Director of Photography
Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Zach Jamieson
Director of Production
Monumental Sports and Entertainment