Washington, D.C., Forum Underscored Need For A Range Of New Policies
PITTSBURGH, March 4, 2016 – With a passion for good public policy beneficial to all consumers, hundreds of ACA Members met in Washington, D.C., this week urging the passage of new laws and regulations that will serve the goal of developing stronger broadband networks that users need to learn and trade as well as compete and communicate.
“As hometown America’s vital communications link, ACA Members take seriously their obligation to make the best case possible for new communications laws that reflect the interest of all stakeholders, especially providers serving smaller markets,” ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka said. “I’m confident that because Washington officials know where we stand, they will respond to our credible and forthright options by moving in the right direction.”
The ACA Summit, taking place March 1-3 in Washington, D.C., looked at the dynamic broadband market and the rapidly evolving video programming market that includes the growing interest in “skinny bundles” delivered by traditional video platforms as well as OTT services.
ACA’s Polka extended his sincere thanks to all who made this year’s ACA Summit so special. At the Summit, ACA’s rank-and-file got their message out on several issues, including Net Neutrality, Title II exemptions, retransmission consent reform and program access, among others.
Prior to the March 3 lobbing day, ACA Members received in-person updates from Rep. Mike Pompeo, a third-term Republican Congressman from the 4th District in Kansas, and Rep. Mike Doyle, who is serving his 11th term in Congress representing the 14th District of Pennsylvania, which includes the city of Pittsburgh and neighboring communities.
Regarding developments inside the industry, ACA Members heard directly from:
Robert Gessner, President of MCTV and ACA Chairman; Rocco Commisso: Founder, Chairman & CEO, Mediacom Communications Corp.; Matt Dosch: EVP, Customer Operations & External Affairs, Comporium; John Higginbotham: Assistant General Manager, Frankfort Plant Board; and Steve Weed: CEO, Wave Broadband.
On a panel to discuss the future of the programming bundle were: Alexander “Sandy” Brown: President & CEO, ONE World Sports Network; Rich Greenfield: Managing Director, Media and Technology Analyst, BTIG; Gene Kimmelman: President & CEO, Public Knowledge; Michael Morrison: Director of Fioptics Services, Cincinnati Bell; and Wall Street Journal reporter Shalini Ramachandran, who was the moderator.
The ACA Summit 2016 occurred amid tremendous change in the regulatory arena managed by Congress and the Federal Communications Commission, whether the issue is broadband regulation, retransmission consent reform, or media consolidation.
The ACA Summit connected small and mid-sized cable operators serving thousands of American communities with the country’s leading lawmakers and regulators as well as media representatives who track communications policy in our nation’s capital.
This signature event highlighted the unique role played by nearly 750 independent cable operators in providing best-in-class communications services to millions of consumers living and working in some of the most remote areas of the country. Responding to the critical broadband infrastructure needs of rural America, ACA Members put their own capital at risk to supply the solutions.
Created as ACA emerged as a lobbying force in Washington, D.C., the ACA Summit gives independent cable operators a vehicle for framing the issues in their own words during dozens of meetings on Capitol Hill. Over the three-day event, ACA Members spoke with one voice in making their views known on the diverse and complex issues they face on a daily basis.
ACA Members know they “Hold The Key To Reform!” – the theme of ACA Summit 2016 — just as they know that success will require persistence and determination in overcoming entrenched interests that keep a tight grip on their regulatory advantages.
Please visit the ACA Summit 2016 website by clicking here: ACA Summit. The event took place at the Grand Hyatt, 1000 H Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.
About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing nearly 750 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for nearly 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/