Complete Story
07/25/2017
Small Operators Have Big Voice in D.C.
Independent cable/broadband operators are gathering with technology and content companies in Indianapolis this week for the annual Independent Show, courtesy of the American Cable Association and the National Cable Television Cooperative.
It's an upbeat event for ACA president Matt Polka, who is confident about several prospects under the new Republican FCC. He feels particularly good about a potential rollback of Title II, but concedes it will be an uphill climb on other issues. That won’t stop the ACA from fighting the good fight for its smaller and midsized cable operator members.
Polka talked with MCN Washington bureau chief John Eggerton about the challenges and opportunities for the association in making its case in Washington. An edited transcript follows.
MCN: Talk a little bit about The Independent Show and what you hope attendees come away with, besides tchotchkes.
Matt Polka: Yes, the never-ending pursuit of the best in cable tchotchkes, though things have changed over the years.
It is an interesting time to come together as independent cable operators, given the changes in our industry — all the consolidation that is taking place, the rapid technology changes, as well as what we’re enduring in Washington. Despite that, I think we hope that members will come away from the Independent Show encouraged and enthused because today their path ahead is a bit clearer.
