An individual praised for the placement of “closing the digital divide and eliminating unnecessary regulations” at the top of his work agenda has been selected as the Keynote Speaker of the American Cable Association (ACA)‘s 25th anniversary summit.
Said individual is FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.
While attendees of the 2017 event may be nonplussed, Pai’s discussion topics will surely not be on repeat: The Sinclair/Tribune Media merger, ATSC 3.0, retransmission fee agreements and other big topics of the last 12 months could make Pai’s ACA appearance particularly noteworthy.
“We are honored to have Chairman Pai on the ACA Summit stage to address our members for the second year in a row,” said ACA President/CEO Matthew M. Polka said. “Pai has pursued an agenda during his tenure at the FCC that includes promoting infrastructure investment and innovation and reducing regulatory burdens. This year, at our 25th Anniversary Summit, we look forward to hearing from the Chairman about his continued focus on encouraging broadband deployment. Moreover, we look forward to getting a preview of the year ahead and having a conversation about other matters important to the cable industry.”
Chairman Pai is scheduled to speak on Wednesday, March 21, from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
ACA in particular commended Pai for having “a forward-looking agenda” by promoting investment in broadband networks. Polka said, “He has shown commitment to seeing broadband extend into unserved areas; eliminating barriers that hinder private investment; and ensuring that government support is distributed efficiently in areas that would most benefit.”
The ACA Summit offers small and midsize cable operators the opportunity to engage with leading lawmakers and regulators, as well as media representatives that report on communications policy in Washington, D.C.
The theme for this year’s ACA Summit is “Standing The Test Of Time,” a statement “indicative of the endurance and dedication shown by independent operators over many years in creating a collective voice in Washington,” ACA says.
