December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 44. Cable’s Hill Water Carrier: Kyle McSlarrow

Kyle McSlarrow
Title: President and CEO, NCTA
Last Year: #4
Age: 48
Ed: Advanced degree in Martinomics

Why Him? Given how many times McSlarrow and his team went to bat for cable at the FCC this year (and the number of victories they’ve had), it would be easy to argue for him to be in our Top 10. Perhaps we bumped him down a bit this year because he’s made it look too easy. What’s clear is that when hit with the roadblock known as Kevin Martin, the NCTA chief has worked well with the other commissioners — be they Democrat or Republican. Those four have bucked Martin multiple times this year on issues like must-carry rights for low-power TV stations to saying Verizon violated marketing retention rules when its customers switch to cable. Give McSlarrow credit for helping the "Fab Four" see the light.

It’s the Economy: Well before the Wall St fiasco NCTA was pushing the message that cable accounts for 1.5mln jobs, almost $62 bln in personal income and $227bln in gross economic output.

Worth Watching: With Time Warner Cable and LIN TV’s dispute bringing attention to retrans and a new Congress, McSlarrow has a renewed mandate to overhaul the retrans consent process.

Year Ahead:
With Kevin Martin out as chairman, things can’t get any worse — even with a Dem in the seat.

Favorite Music: Metal

Favorite Food: Pizza

Last Book Read: The Black Hole War

Best Business Advice Received: Buy T-bills

Sports Team: Redskins

AM

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