December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 68. Trial by Fire: Kathryn A. Zachem

Kathryn A. Zachem
Title: VP, Regulatory and State Legislative Affairs, Comcast
Age: 50
Education: George Washington U, BA; George Mason U School of Law, JD

Why Her? Since she reps the biggest MSO, Zachem, who joined Comcast early this year to head regulatory affairs from the D.C. office, becomes an instant power player. And she’s had more items piled onto her plate than a chef on Food Network. She’s dealt with hot issues such as Comcast’s hindrance of BitTorrent’s P2P file sharing, network neutrality and Kevin Martin’s ongoing demands for lower cable rates. Remember to breathe, Kathy.

Year Ahead:
Without more clarity about the attitude of the FCC and the rest of the Obama administration toward telecom, the future of regulatory affairs is murky.

Favorite Foods: Everything but liver (or other organs), and sundried tomatoes

Drink of Choice: White French wines

Music: Springsteen and anything but what my 13-year-old daughter listens to

Unnecessary Luxury I Like Most: Ridiculously expensive handbags

Fave TV Show: World Series of Poker

Last Book Read: With my new entry into the cable industry, a good friend from the industry suggested Cutthroat: High Stakes & Killer Moves on the Electronic Frontier by Stephen Keating. Interesting read.

Favorite Part of My Job Is: Working with so many amazingly dedicated people in the Comcast family.

Worst Part of My Job Is: It is in the best interest of the company if I just stay silent on this question.

Cable's Biggest Challenge Is: Ditto

My Philosophy of Life Is: It is never too late.

In ’09 I Resolve To: Learn to use my new Comcast remote control

Hero: Katherine Graham

KF

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