Three Questions: The Walter Kaitz Foundation's Michelle Ray Talks About Diversifying the Cable Industry
In an interview with NCTA, The Walter Kaitz Foundation's new executive director Michelle Ray shed light on how the Foundation came to be and how it continues to lead the charge for cultivating diverse talent and initiatives across the internet and television landscape. With Diversity Week in full swing, and as leaders and key stakeholders ranging from cable operating executives to content creators gather in NYC for critical discussions around diversity and inclusion, Ray offered insights into the state of diversity throughout the industry and the direction the Foundation will take as the
A Fresh Look at the 5.9 GHz Band
It’s time for the FCC to take a fresh look at the 5.9 GHz band. After two decades and millions of dollars in wasted government subsidies, the Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) experiment in the 5.9 GHz band has clearly failed. The growth of Wi-Fi over the last two decades and the potential of this spectrum to deliver better Wi-Fi only amplify this failure in policy. The time is now for the Commission to open all or a substantial part of the 5.9 GHz band to unlicensed innovation and consider flexible options for addressing the spectrum needs of automotive technologies. Most of us use
Getting it Right on 3.5 GHz
While predicting the future is always a tricky proposition, one area that we can foresee with absolute certainty is that consumers will continue to demand seamless connectivity to all of their devices no matter where they are. But ensuring that a wide range of providers can meet this escalating demand requires creative solutions to put underutilized spectrum to work. That is why we commend the FCC, and appreciate Commissioner O'Rielly's leadership, in nearing completion of the framework for bringing to market 150 megahertz of underutilized spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band. Given the challenges in
How Broadband is Strengthening the Marketplace
It's easy to see that the internet has never been more powerful as it is today. America's broadband providers are delivering the fastest and most reliable speeds yet, making it possible for people all over the country to stream their favorite TV shows, post Instagram stories, or play a VR video game with their friend across the ocean. This steady uphill progress in network speed and capacity has unleashed a myriad of opportunities in the past two decades and allowed innovation to flourish. One of the most consistent improvements that Americans have experienced in internet connectivity is speed
Cartoon Network Speaks Up on Bullying Prevention
Bullying affects people at every stage of their lives, but those most vulnerable to it are the ones who experience it in America's school yards. Last year, Cartoon Network commissioned a survey and found that two thirds of kids experience bullying once or twice throughout their youth. In support of National Bullying Prevention Month in October, NCTA talked with Cartoon Network Senior Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships Jill King to find out how the network makes this issue a vital part of its mission to serve America's children. It's been eight years since Cartoon Network launched its
Measuring the Impact of Cable's Energy-Saving Innovation
On National Energy Efficiency Day, it's important to take measure of the benefits to consumers and the environment that are being delivered by the cable industry's energy-saving initiatives. Earlier this year, an audit conducted by D+R International found tremendous energy and cost savings thanks to two Voluntary Agreements signed by major service operators, pay-TV providers, manufacturers and energy efficiency advocates. Since the award-winning Voluntary Agreement for Ongoing Improvement to the Energy Efficiency of Set-Top Boxes was implemented in 2013, consumers have saved more than $3.5
America's ISPs Are Bringing Rural America Up to Speed
Tomorrow, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing to explore the opportunities and challenges of deploying broadband in rural America. This is an issue that America's cable broadband providers are currently tackling, and a critical discussion that will explore creative ways to continue connecting every community. The conversation is also a timely one in light of recent discussions concerning the Farm Bill reauthorization and how broadband funds should be administered by the USDA Rural Utilities Service in order to be most effective in helping to bring
Cox Pledges $20 Million Annually Towards Broadband Adoption
Internet adoption programs are reaching more Americans than ever and helping them lead their best lives while giving them the skills and tools they need to compete in the global marketplace. And they got another boost yesterday when Cox Communications announced that the company is increasing its commitment to $20 million annually for Connect2Compete. Cox's CEO Pat Esser made the announcement yesterday along with the release of survey results that measured the impact of the program and how Cox will continue to expand it to more Americans. The survey of 1,700 families revealed that 91 percent
New TV Shows Aim to Connect With Hispanic Audiences
Hispanic Heritage Month is underway, and there's no better time to turn attention to the portrayal of Hispanic-Americans in media and entertainment. Previous studies and polls have shown that America's viewers need and want more diversity in the characters and stories that they see on the screen. And while there is still a long ways to go, there have been a few breakthrough shows in the past couple of years where Latino culture is recognized, celebrated, and embraced. Newer shows have also focused on the complex issues of Latino identity in the U.S., and the stereotypes, struggles and
Sit Back and Enjoy the Show: TV is More Competitive Than Ever Before
The choices for TV today are virtually endless. As America's demographics and technology have evolved over the past two decades, so have the number of ways that TV is delivered to consumers, and the diversity of programming that audiences have available to them. Where cable television used to stand alone, technology advancements along with fast broadband networks have ushered in a myriad of new online TV distributors—and with it, an ever-growing menu of choices. Since 1997, cable networks have invested more than $410 billion in award-winning content. At the same time, new and emerging