New Leadership Reflects Diversity, Stability and Experience At Trade Group’s Pinnacle
MCTV is pleased to announce that Robert Gessner, MCTV president, was elected Chairman of the American Cable Association by a vote of the ACA Membership announced today at the 9th annual Independent Show. Gessner, ACA's Vice Chairman since 2012, succeeds Colleen Abdoulah, who is Chairwoman of WOW! Internet, Cable and Phone and who became ACA's Chairwoman in 2011.
"This is a critical time because the issues have never been tougher or the stakes higher for the independent cable community," Gessner said. "I'm proud to lead ACA as the organization moves forward with its efforts to inform and educate policymakers on the vital role we play in the communications market and the need for public policies that foster investment in our networks and communities."
Some of the key issues important to the independent cable community include: Extension of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA); net neutrality, retransmission consent reform, implementation of the FCC's Connect America Fund; and access to programming on fair and reasonable terms for cable operators and buying groups. ACA is also an active player in the government's review of the proposed Comcast-Time Warner Cable and the AT&T-DirecTV mergers.
About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing nearly 850 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 www.americancable.org.
