Name: Ed Markey Title: House Telecom Subcommittee Chairman Age:61
Why him? We're only singling out one member of Congress, and it's not even the heads of the Senate or House Commerce Committees? That's because Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), a key architect of the '92 Cable Act, has proven to be the most outspoken member on cable/telecom issues this session. And whether he's drilling Kevin Martin on how he runs the FCC, pressuring programmers to curb depictions of smoking on TV or delving into the digital transition, he can always be counted on for a little entertainment. He's also a force to be reckoned with—look at how many food manufacturers and kids' nets have followed his lead and pledged to limit junk food advertising to kids. So far, he hasn't started any major food fights with cable operators, but cable would be wise to keep a spoonful of mash potatoes handy, just in case.AM
The cable industry's biggest challenge in 2008 is:“Assisting policymakers on ensuring that the digital television transition goes smoothly by continuing efforts to help educate consumers about the transition, about the converter-box coupon program, and about what consumers will need, or won't need to do, to keep their television working when the transition date arrives in 2009.” The coolest new cable tech is: “I love DVR technology and am intrigued by the Slingbox technology, but to me the newest cool thing in cable is the announced possibility that wideband cable modem speeds may reach 200 megabits per second.” Favorite sports team: “If I had to pick one, it would be the ‘RedSoxCelticsPatriotsBCEagles’ of course!” I wish cable would: “Figure out how to add more hours to the viewing day—I can't squeeze enough news and sports viewing into the current 24 hour day...” The world would be a better place if:“CableFAX had its own cable channel, and every employee got their own talk show.” (Editor's Note: Does this guy know how to get favorable coverage or what?)
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Help CableFAX: The Magazine decide by nominating the executives you think should be included in our annual list of the Most Powerful Women in Cable. We will rank the top 50 most powerful women, and run a list of the second 50, in the November issue of CableFAX: The Magazine. Nominations are open to all cable operators, programmers, vendors and trade associations. Click here for nomination form. Deadline for nominations: Sept. 8.
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CABLEFAX: THE MAGAZINE
THE 100 POWER LIST It's time to get in your nominations for the CableFAX 100, version 2008. Nominate here. Deadline for nominations: Sept. 8.
Cable's stars turned out for the first annual CableFAX 100 luncheon at New York's Grand Hyatt last December. Catch Mad Men's Jon Hamm, Cash Cab's Ben Bailey as well as Sundance Channel's Larry Aidem and Cable Pioneer Bill Bresnan and others in our video from the wintertime event.
Who are cable's most powerful women executives?
Help CableFAX: The Magazine decide by nominating the executives you think should be included in our annual list of the Most Powerful Women in Cable. We will rank the top 50 most powerful women, and run a list of the second 50, in the November issue of CableFAX: The Magazine. Nominations are open to all cable operators, programmers, vendors and trade associations. Click here for nomination form. Deadline for nominations: Sept. 8.
CableFAX announces the launch of CableFAX Content Business, an online premium service featuring proprietary coverage of cable content, ratings, programming and advertising trends, new technologies and distribution channels.
Get a trial subscription to Content Business here. Read the press release.
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