ACA Hopeful Smith Selection Will Launch New Era Of Cooperation Between Two Associations
PITTSBURGH, September 18, 2009 – ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement in response to the selection of former U.S. Sen. Gordon H. Smith as President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters:
“The American Cable Association applauds the National Association of Broadcasters for wisely selecting former U.S. Sen. Gordon H. Smith as its new President and CEO effective Nov. 1. ACA believes that the NAB has shown great foresight by turning to an individual who earned the respect of his Senate colleagues as a bridge builder and who demonstrated leadership by being more interested in finding compromise than exploiting political divisions for partisan advantage.
“In the weeks and months ahead, ACA is optimistic that the establishment of new leadership at the NAB will create the opportunity for ACA and the NAB to develop a new a relationship, one that is advantageous both to small broadcasters and small, independent cable companies and results in better service for consumers in smaller markets and rural America, where ACA members have been leading providers of advanced communications for decades.
“During his two terms in the Senate, Sen. Smith was highly regarded by his peers and industry leaders for being a good listener, a fair-minded policy maker and a leader willing to master the details in order to make his own informed, balanced decisions. ACA members are hopeful that Smith’s laudable strengths during his Senate years will help launch a new era of cooperation between our two associations and produce a healthy climate that allows ACA and the NAB to interact in a productive fashion for the good of all consumers.”
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About the American Cable Association
Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing more than 900 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for more than 7 million cable subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA’s members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their business. For more information, visit https://acaconnects.org/