December 12, 2007

Whitty Rapport

Name: Richard S. Whitt
Title: Washington Telecom and Media Counsel, Google
Age: 45
Years in Industry: 19
Years left in Industry: 17

Why Him? Yeah, that’s right. We’re putting Google in the 100 again. You got a problem with that? But seriously, this company is just a huge force that wields influence across all media sectors, most recently shaking up the wireless biz with its open mobile platform intended to spawn millions of “G-phones” and its vow to bid in the 700MHz auction. In fact, it’s in Washington D.C. where Google has been really asserting itself lately, and Richard Whitt is the guy who knows how to navigate those cavernous halls of government. Whether lobbying for “net neutrality” or for changes to the 700MHz auction process, Whitt’s at the center of several debates directly affecting cable ops and programmers. Expect to see more of him in ’08.  MG

The cable industry’s biggest challenge in 2008 is: “Devising a wireless strategy to counter the ILECs.”
Defining career moment: “Meeting Vint Cerf.”
Top personal achievement in 2007: “Helping convince the FCC to adopt open devices and open applications as license conditions for the C Block in the 700 MHz auction.”
Favorite city: “London”
Favorite line from a movie or TV show: “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.” – “WKRP in Cincinnati”
Favorite TV show: “The Office”
I wish cable would: “Embrace the Internet as a platform for innovation and economic growth.”
My perfect vacation goes like this: “A sunny beach, a pile of books, and no Blackberry in sight.”


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