NCTA OFFICE OF CABLE SIGNAL THEFT
Washington, D.C. – The National Cable & Telecommunications Association today announced that Nilda Cid Gumbs has been promoted to Director of the Office of Cable Signal Theft (OCST). In her new position, Gumbs will lead the industry’s efforts to counter cable signal theft. She also will serve as cable’s liaison to the Coalition Opposing Signal Theft Committee (COST).
Gumbs joined NCTA in 1994 and has served in several roles in the Office of Cable Signal Theft since then. She has been Acting Director for OCST since February 2002. Accomplishments during her tenure include developing the industry’s “Cable Theft Tool Kit” and the Court TV-sponsored Theft of Service Initiative launched earlier this year.
“Nilda’s expertise and experience will serve the industry well as we implement new strategies to reduce cable theft,” said Jadz Janucik, NCTA’s Senior Vice President, Association Affairs.
Formed in 1986 as a joint venture between the NCTA and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the Office of Cable Signal Theft serves as an informational clearinghouse for signal security issues. OCST provides information about the judicial, legislative, technical, marketing and operational aspects of the signal theft problem.
As Director of OCST, Gumbs’ primary responsibilities will include working with state association executives and industry representatives to develop marketing initiatives and implement programs aimed at decreasing industry-wide theft of service. She will also serve as an industry spokesperson on signal theft and related piracy issues, assist law enforcement in the criminal investigation of distributors of illegal equipment, and provide assistance to cable operators at civil trials and legislative hearings.
Gumbs received a B.A. degree from Penn State University.
NCTA is the principal trade association of the cable television industry in the United States. NCTA represents cable operators serving more than 90 percent of the nation's cable television households and more than 200 cable program networks, as well as equipment suppliers and providers of other services to the cable industry.
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