Michelle Ray Departing Kaitz Foundation in December
The Walter Kaitz Foundation, the cable industry’s leading advocacy organization in advancing equity, inclusion and belonging in media and entertainment, today announced that Michelle Ray will leave her position as Executive Director on December 2. Ray has served the Foundation for over 15 years in successive leadership roles and the December date ensures her management of the annual foundation dinner on October 12 and a smooth transition afterwards. “Michelle has been a true force of nature and her leadership at the Kaitz Foundation has been invaluable to the industry. Her passion and tireless
Joni Lupovitz Joins NCTA’s Legal & Regulatory Affairs Team
Washington, D.C. – NCTA – The Internet & Television Association today announced the addition of Joni Lupovitz to its Legal team as Vice President and Associate General Counsel. Lupovitz joins NCTA with more than two decades of legal, public policy, legislative and regulatory experience in the private, nonprofit and government sectors. Most recently, she served as NPR’s Senior Director, Public Policy, representing NPR and the public radio system before Congress, the Federal Communications Commission, and other agencies to support public radio news and cultural programming across platforms
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding the D.C. Circuit’s Decision on the FCC’s 5.9 GHz Order
“The D.C. Circuit’s decision to uphold the FCC’s 5.9 GHz order is an enormous victory for American consumers. The Commission’s unanimous, bipartisan order modernizes a band that was primarily unused for over 20 years, and today’s court decision enables that important 5.9 GHz spectrum to provide consumers with even more reliable high-speed Wi-Fi and access to next-generation automotive safety applications. We look forward to working with the Commission to build on this positive momentum and complete the 5.9 GHz proceeding.”
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Legislation That Would Codify Broadband Networks Under Title II Public Utility Regulation
“Twenty years into an increasingly stale debate over net neutrality, the justifications for it seem increasingly limp. The breathless assertions over the years that the internet is gravely threatened because ISPs would block or throttle traffic and erect toll booths to charge internet companies to reach consumers have proven hollow and unrealized. The claim that ISPs would not invest in expanding capacity and speed wilts in the shadow of massive expansion to gigabit networks today with efforts driving rapidly to 10G networks in a few years. Similarly, the wireless industry is in the middle of
Pat McAdaragh Elected Chairman of the Board and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Kathleen Finch Joins NCTA Board
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pat McAdaragh, Chair & CEO, Midco, was elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association (NCTA). The election took place on June 22, 2022. In addition, the following officers were elected: Tom Rutledge, Chairman & CEO, Charter Communications, as Vice Chairman; Mark Greatrex, President, Cox Communications, Inc., as Treasurer; and Bob Bakish, President & CEO, Paramount Global, as Secretary. NCTA’s outgoing Chairman Dave Watson, President & CEO, Comcast Cable, and Senior EVP, Comcast Corporation, will serve as Immediate Past Chairman
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Regarding Grant Spellmeyer Named as New President of ACA Connects
“I would like to offer my congratulations to both ACA and Grant Spellmeyer on today’s announcement. Grant is taking the helm of ACA at a very important time for the industry as we all work on the important mission of connecting every American to broadband. We wish Grant all the best on his transition to ACA and look forward to working closely with him and his team on these important issues.”
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding NTIA Broadband Funding Guidance
“With release of today’s Notices of Funding Opportunity by NTIA, the country marks another important milestone on our national journey to promote digital equity and connect unserved Americans to robust broadband service. With networks that now reach over 80% of American homes with gigabit-capable technology and comprehensive broadband adoption programs, cable internet providers are continuing to expand private efforts and work in partnership with government officials to shrink the digital divide. We look forward to reviewing the notices and continuing to engage with policymakers as plans are
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Regarding Matt Polka Stepping Down from ACA Connects
“The cable industry will miss Matt’s leadership, integrity and effective representation, and I’ll miss his friendship and collegiality that makes him such a great advocate for his members. Matt’s 25 years of leading ACA Connects is a remarkable tenure in which the industry faced significant policy battles and he tackled every issue with a calm demeanor and steady hand. Congratulations to Matt on his upcoming retirement and we wish him all the best in the coming months and the next chapter of his life.”
NCTA Announces New Additions to Legal and Government Relations Teams
Washington, D.C. – NCTA – The Internet & Television Association today announced the addition of Kyle Dixon, Jeff Freeland and Becky Tangren to its Legal and Government Relations teams. Additionally, NCTA announced the promotion of Lee Friedman to Deputy Chief, Federal Legislative Affairs. NCTA welcomes Kyle Dixon as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Program Network Policy. Prior to joining NCTA, Dixon served as Vice President, Public Policy for WarnerMedia where he advised the Warner Bros., HBO and Turner businesses regarding federal agencies and Congress on a variety of policy and
NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Statements Regarding the March 2022 FCC Meeting
NCTA Statement Regarding the FCC’s Proceeding on Resolving Pole Replacement Disputes: “Expediting access to utility poles is a critical element of extending broadband to unserved communities and closing the digital divide. As our industry works diligently to build gigabit networks in communities that have yet to be connected, we join with a wide range of parties including broadband providers, school and libraries, and public interest groups in applauding the FCC for initiating this proceeding. If we are to accomplish universal connectivity in America in the coming years, further action to help