Ranking Democrat On Energy & Commerce A Key Player In Communications Policymaking
PITTSBURGH, February 22, 2016 – The American Cable Association is pleased to announce that Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the most senior Democrat on the House Energy & Commerce Committee, will speak at the ACA’s 23rd Summit on March 2, offering insights to the independent cable community at a time of rapid change in the market and the regulatory arena driven by digital disruption coming from all directions.
“Rep. Pallone is a lawmaker who will have a key role in the passage of any new communications laws, and we appreciate the time he has taken to meet with ACA members to understand the issues and concerns they care about the most. ACA is greatly appreciative that Rep. Pallone will speak to ACA members and share his views on communications and other legislative matters,” ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka said.
Rep. Pallone has represented central New Jersey in Congress since 1988. He is the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over issues pertaining to cable operators, broadband access providers, TV stations owners, and wireless providers, among others.
Throughout his career, Rep. Pallone has been a leader in protecting the integrity of the Medicare guarantee and Medicaid programs, making the nation’s food system safer, strengthening laws to keep our air and water clean, and making health care more affordable and accessible.
The ACA Summit, taking place March 1-3 in Washington, D.C., will look at the dynamic broadband market and the rapidly evolving video programming market that includes the advent of “skinny bundles” delivered by traditional video platforms as well as OTT services.
Previously confirmed ACA Summit speakers include 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.
Speakers already announced for a panel of industry leaders include: 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. Robert Gessner, who is President of MCTV and Chairman of the American Cable Association, will serve as moderator.
On a panel to discuss the future of the programming bundle are: 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. Shalini Ramachandran, reporter for the Wall Street Journal, will be the moderator.
The ACA Summit connects small and mid-sized cable operators serving hometown America with the country’s leading lawmakers and regulators as well as media representatives who track communications policy in our nation’s capital. This year’s Summit coincides with important changes occurring in the regulatory arena managed by Congress and the Federal Communications Commission.
This signature event highlights 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 speak 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.
The ACA Summit website includes event details and secure online registration. Please visit the ACA Summit 2016 website by clicking here: ACA Summit. The event will take 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/