Forum Notebook
After 22 years, CTPAA (Cable TV Public Affairs Assoc) is changing its name to the Assoc of Cable Communicators. The name change is to reflect the group’s expanded emphasis- showing that it’s geared toward all cable industry communications execs, no longer just public affairs practitioners. It’s keeping the CTPAA moniker until its Forum in DC ends on Wed. — CTPAA/CableWorld’s Public Affairs Programming Awards ceremony was rescheduled for Tues. Check out winning shows at http://www.cable360.net. — Cable is growing increasingly conscious of the blogosphere, which some 27% of US adults visit at least once/week, according to Strategy One. The industry is recognizing its power in communication and monitoring the space accordingly, and some, like Comcast and Cox, have even started their own blogs. "There is more conversation-based communication now than in the past," said dir, media relations David Grabert of Cox, which launched Digitalstraighttalk.com last year to insert the MSO’s point-of-view on topics where needed and counter competitors’ claims. Comcast’s CA system now runs an internal blog where employees can receive industry and customer news, and even ask questions of Comcast execs. Providing interactivity, a key component of blogs, is achieved with both offerings.