Hill Power

Name: Ed Markey
Title: House Telecom Subcommittee Chairman
Age: 61

 
Why him? We’re only singling out one member of Congress, and it’s not even the heads of the Senate or House Commerce Committees? That’s because Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), a key architect of the ’92 Cable Act, has proven to be the most outspoken member on cable/telecom issues this session. And whether he’s drilling Kevin Martin on how he runs the FCC, pressuring programmers to curb depictions of smoking on TV or delving into the digital transition, he can always be counted on for a little entertainment. He’s also a force to be reckoned with—look at how many food manufacturers and kids’ nets have followed his lead and pledged to limit junk food advertising to kids. So far, he hasn’t started any major food fights with cable operators, but cable would be wise to keep a spoonful of mash potatoes handy, just in case.  AM

The cable industry’s biggest challenge in 2008 is: “Assisting policymakers on ensuring that the digital television transition goes smoothly by continuing efforts to help educate consumers about the transition, about the converter-box coupon program, and about what consumers will need, or won’t need to do, to keep their television working when the transition date arrives in 2009.”
The coolest new cable tech is: “I love DVR technology and am intrigued by the Slingbox technology, but to me the newest cool thing in cable is the announced possibility that wideband cable modem speeds may reach 200 megabits per second.”
Favorite sports team: “If I had to pick one, it would be the ‘RedSoxCelticsPatriotsBCEagles’ of course!”
I wish cable would: “Figure out how to add more hours to the viewing day—I can’t squeeze enough news and sports viewing into the current 24 hour day…”
The world would be a better place if: “CableFAX had its own cable channel, and every employee got their own talk show.” (Editor’s Note: Does this guy know how to get favorable coverage or what?)

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