New Position Will Expand ACA’s Policy Advocacy in Washington, D.C.
Pittsburgh, Pa., March 2, 2009 – The American Cable Association (ACA) announced that Ted Hearn has joined the organization as vice president of communications, a new position intended to strengthen the voice of small and independent cable operators in their effort to bring policy change to Washington, D.C.
In his new role, Hearn will be responsible for overseeing all communications efforts at ACA, joining the trade organization at a time when Congress and the Obama administration are developing broadband policies that are likely to have an impact on ACA members with longstanding ties to rural American communities. Hearn will report directly to ACA president and CEO Matthew M. Polka.
“ACA is extremely happy that Ted will be joining our team,” Polka said. “He knows the issues, he knows how Washington works, and he knows how to tell people about it. His work will be invaluable to telling the story and unique challenges of independent cable operators and their customers.”
“It is the priority of our Association that we communicate effectively to four key constituencies: members, policymakers, media, and industry,” said ACA Board Chairman Steve Friedman, COO of Wave Broadband in Kirkland, WA. “ACA has done that, and we look forward to doing even more with Ted’s help.”
From 1994 until recently, Hearn was Washington News Editor of Multichannel News, a respected trade publication that covers the cable television industry and its many competitors. Hearn wrote widely about Congress and the Federal Communications Commission, as well as implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the ongoing transition to digital transmission by full-power TV stations.
Hearn earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Lake Forest College in Illinois and a Master of Arts in legislative affairs from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
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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 www.americancable.org.