Search

This article deals with the promotion efforts of cable companies for their high-definition (HD) offering. Comcast, whose 24.4 million customers make it the largest U.S. cable service, has been the most aggressive at pitching its HD services. Comcast said it would give its subscribers 1,000 HD choices by the end of 2008. Taking a different approach, Time Warner Cable, whose 45 HD channels put it slightly ahead of Comcast but whose 300 video-on-demand (VOD) titles in HD lag Comcast's inventory, calls itself Home of Free HD.

The article reports that several cable television networks in the U.S. suffered declines in total viewership of more than 15% in the third quarter of 2008. The decline was caused by competition with the Beijing Summer Olympics, which attracted record viewership while advertisement-supported cable was limited as a whole to a 2% gain in total viewers. Interest in the presidential elections also siphoned off an uncommon number of viewers to the news networks.

The article reports that despite the emergence of many high-definition channels, cable providers Cox Communications and Charter Communications are still maintaining their subscription base and sales. Both companies reported that they increased video services revenue at least partially by having more high-definition subscribers. In addition to the satellite companies, the cable companies' apparent resilience comes amid more competition from fiber-optic television services.

The article profiles Kathy Johnson, the president of the National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), and "TelevisionWeek's" Cable Executive of the Year. According to James C. Jones, NAMIC vice president of education programs, Johnson leads by example. There are a number of NAMIC leadership programs that have been created under her auspices, including the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP).

An interview with Kathy Johnson is presented. Johnson is the president of the National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), and "TelevisionWeek's" Cable Executive of the Year. She talks about being named Cable Executive of the Year, her accomplishments past and present and her plans for the future.

The article reports on the launch of several television series by cable networks for the summer season. "Starter Wife" from USA is generating the highest ratings for a cable original series. Lifetime is launching three shows on Sundays, including "Side Order of Life" and "State of Mind." American Movie Classics will also be airing its show "Mad Men" to take advantage of a night when movie studios and other marketers pay the highest advertising rates, said General Manager Charlie Collier.

The article reports on the financial performance of the cable television industry in the U.S. During the annual convention of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA), cable companies were said to report higher revenues and earnings. It cites the advantage cable companies have over satellite television providers. It presents the views of Kevin Martin, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman, on the industry.

The article presents an interview with president/chief executive officer (CEO) of BendBroadband Amy Tykeson. Tykeson is a recipient of the Distinguished Vanguards Award for Leadership 2007 of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA). She got into the cable industry through her father Don Tykeson who was a broadcasting pioneer and the founder of Bend. Tykeson identified the launch of digital phone service as the key to the continued growth of the telecommunications industry.

The article presents the author's experience of working with Barbara York in the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA). She was a mentor to Barbara about the cable industry, while Barbara taught her everything about planning a convention. The author said that Barbara has changed the NCTA Cable Show to keep pace with how the industry has changed and showcase its selling points.

The article features Barbara York, senior vice president (VP) for industry affairs of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA). Advance/Newhouse Communications executive VP Nomi Bergman pointed out that York's deep knowledge of the industry, her wide-ranging relationships and high standards impact everyone in the planning process. York is scheduled to be inducted into the Cable Pioneers at the 2007 Cable Show and into the Cable Hall of Fame.

The article reports that cable networks company Viacom chief executive officer (CEO) Philippe Dauman is cutting staff and investing in programming and digital businesses to pull the business out of a financial slump. The restructuring of this business, which includes MTV, Nickelodeon and TV Land, is estimated to cost $70 million. Changes to the company include 250 job cuts, an executive shakeup and a shift in how the company conducts its upfront advertising sales.

This article reports on the need for cable companies to increase the bandwidth needed for more high-definition (HD) channels and video-on-demand (VOD) choices in their effort to keep up with satellite and telecommunications firms' HDTV services. Comcast and Time Warner Cable will try to clear airspace for HD programming by converting analog cable subscribers to digital. Cable companies also may ease the process of HD channel expansion by distributing more MPEG-4 set-top boxes to subscribers, possibly by introducing new HD subscription tiers.

The article presents quotes from Ron Garfield, chief operating officer at Ovation TV and Rob Stoddard, senior vice president for communications and public affairs at National Cable & Telecommunications Association, on what can be done to improve cable's 60% customer satisfaction rating.

The article reports on the commitment of Bright House Networks to diversity. At the center of the cable company's diversity commitment is the pursuit of an essential goal, to reflect within the organization the diverse characteristics of the markets it serves. The Kaitz Foundation was impressed with many aspects of Bright House's efforts in recruiting and retention, corporate philanthropy, community involvement and education that is why it is giving the company the Diversity Champion Award.

An interview with David M. Porter Jr., executive director of the Walter Kaitz Foundation, is presented. The foundation is recognized as one of the leaders in diversifying the executive suites of the cable industry with talented and qualified ethnic minorities. Porter has had many occasions to work with National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) president Kathy Johnson. He speaks about Johnson being named Cable Executive of the Year by "TelevisionWeek."

The article focuses on the efforts of cable companies to seek growth outside the television sector in the U.S. Of the four largest publicly traded cable companies reporting in March 2008, all reported higher revenues and three reported improved earnings from a year earlier. It states that while cable television made up the bulk of revenues, it also was the slowest-growing division at all four companies. All of the cable operators have responded to heightened competition by branching out into high-speed Internet and telephone services.

The article announces that top executives from cable media companies are warning the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against having any new regulation of cable industry competition or procedures. Top executives sent a joint letter stating that there is no conceivable justification of government intervention in the industry. The letter comes as the FCC released an agenda for its Tuesday meeting that calls for releasing a report on video competition and a second one about leased access and programming diversity.

The article features Sean Cohan, senior president at A&E Television Networks. He discusses how he overcame prejudicial treatment from executives in the international pay TV market due to his young age. Cohan has been promoted three times within his three-year tenure at the company. He talks about the efforts of the company to close international deals.

The article focuses on Lauren Corrao, executive vice president for original programming and development at Comedy Central. Corrao believes in finding talent in the sea of amateur and short-form video circulating in new media platforms. She says that she is more suited to cable television because broadcast tends to be more predictable.

The article offers information about Barbara York of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA), who has always had a big interest in technology, and a leader in databases and process registration. The author states that Barbara did a new Broadband Home in the office building, so they can showcase cable's technologies to policy-makers, visiting delegations from other countries and to members.

The article discusses the author's experience of her encounters with Barbara York of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA). The author was interviewed by Barbara for the cable industry's educational foundation, Cable in the Classroom. She was asked to serve on the board of trustees of the Trinity College in Washington, D.C. and has served with Barbara for one year.

The article offers information about Barbara York of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA), a highly-talented and private person who always shunned public recognition. The author describes Barbara's personality as Type A+ for being the first one to arrive the office in the morning and the last one to leave in the evening. The article also states that Barbara is an unsung hero of the cable industry who would always take time for her staff and people.

The article features Barbara York of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA), who can produce the most complex shows in the cable industry. The author states that York has reached to advertising in order to acquire revenues for both programmers and operators. Barbara has taken the industry through its transition from a cable platform to being a provider of all kinds of communications and telecommunications.

The article features Barbara York of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA), who possesses a masterful approach to handling an organization's board. The author states that Barbara is a glue that makes the convention and the other things around NCTA. Barbara has commitment that shows her care for people and commitment to issues that have been important to the industry, like diversity and Cable in the Classroom.

The article features Barbara York of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA), who has developed a real feel for the people in the industry. The author states that Barbara's passion for the industry has motivated her to look forward and anticipate the challenges the industry is going to have and finding creative ways to address the challenges. Barbara's maturity and professionalism are great skills that has made things happen without bruising anyone.

The article features Barbara York of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA), who gets things done with a terrific attitude and a great sense of teamwork. Barbara got into NCTA during the time of the great heyday of the industry which involves the establishment of content and satellite delivery that allowed the breaking-in to the urban market. The industry changed from a business that strong-wires to a business that delivers diversity and choice and content.

The article presents an interview with President-chief executive officer (CEO) Kyle McSlarrow of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA). McSlarrow pointed out Barbara York's contributions during his tenure as president-CEO of NCTA. He recognizes that York will be one of the most respected senior professionals in NCTA and in the cable industry. McSlarrow also extends his appreciation to York as a colleague who engenders loyalty from people she works with.

The author reflects on the transition of the cable industry to digital television (TV) in the U.S. on February 17, 2009. He talked about the Cable Show 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada which focused on the digital TV transition with an investment of more than $110 billion for a state-of-the-art fiber-optic infrastructure offering the latest in digital technology. The author believes that the transition is an opportunity for the cable industry in providing high-definition programming to customers.

The article highlights the biggest headlines of the publication, published within the previous issues in 1997. CBS has transformed itself into a cable contender on February 17, 1997. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to give 1,500 television (TV) stations in the U.S. new digital channels on April 7, 1997. Barry Diller was able to build another broadcasting and cable TV powerhouse inside a diversified media company on October 27, 1997.

The article reports that Cablevision Systems Corp. had agreed to be acquired by members of the Dolan family, which founded the cable company and has made several attempts to take it private in the past year. Outstanding shares of Cablevision that the Dolan Family Group does not already own will be converted into $36.26 per share in cash, for a total enterprise value of approximately $22 billion. The transaction is conditioned on a majority of the minority voting provision.

The author reflects on the Cable Show in Las Vegas, Nevada in May 2007 which provided a time of reckoning for the cable industry in the U.S. He states that the proliferation of high-speed Internet over cable lines or telecommunication companies' fiber-optic lines paved way to the development of entertainment distribution. The author also stresses the responsibility of the cable providers and the industry to take the opportunity to invest in more programming, infrastructure and social capital.

The article reports on the lawsuits filed by U.S. local governments and some community groups against the Federal Communications Commission regarding an order it issued intended to spur cable television competition and broadband deployment. Groups such as the National Association of Counties, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers & Advisors accused the FCC of an abuse of discretion, unsupported by evidence and in violation of the Constitution.

The article reports on the plans by the Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau (CAB) in the U.S. to integrate its annual sales management conference into the National Cable & Telecommunications Association's national show in Las Vegas, Nevada in May 2007. The CAB stopped having its own national convention in 2003 in order to concentrate on research and direct presentation to advertisement buyers.

The author reflects on cable technology. She cites the advantages and features of Apple's iTV, a device that allows the use of a personal computer in watching movies on television (TV). She wants a device that will allow her to bring activities like photo sharing and playing games to the TV. She cites several difficulties of cable operators in building two-way plants and video-on-demand infrastructures to stream content. She stresses the need for cable networks to move to the next level of video-on-demand.

This article deals with a proposed bill in the U.S. Congress which will make it easier for telephone companies (telco) to offer television services. Senators have less than 20 days to debate the telco issue and other legislation on the floor before the election break in 2006. The complexity of the bill has hampered its progress through Congress. Beyond the video franchising and net neutrality provisions, the legislation would free cable providers from most local regulations.