In Remembrance: Cable Industry Mourns Loss of Fred Dressler

We’re sure that Fred Dressler, who retired late last year from Time Warner Cable as evp, programming, battled pancreatic cancer like he did programming nets: with fairness, conviction and honesty. Unfortunately, this last fight featured a foe lacking the respect meritoriously afforded to Dressler over a prominent 30-year cable career, ending Mon night in Dressler’s passing at age 66. From his early years as a manager of cable systems in Shreveport, LA, Fresno, CA, and Denver, CO, to his twilight as cable’s proxy spokesman against the escalating cost of sports rights and for the tiering of sports nets, Dressler led—and touched—many. “Fred was revered for his intellect, his wit, his perspective, his vision, and his humanity. We will miss him very much,” said Time Warner Cable pres/CEO Glenn Britt. Close friend and Turner Network Sales pres, domestic distribution Andy Heller spoke for many of the compassion that characterized Dressler, who helped found E!, Sun Sports Net, SNY and iN Demand Nets. “His continuous acts of selflessness have left their mark on me and countless others in the industry,” said Heller in an obit for the NY Times. “He always gave me the tools and the opportunity to prove myself and then stepped back in the shadows, giving me the platform to shine on my own. I will continue to strive to be the same kind of mentor to others as he was to me.” While extending condolences to Dressler’s family, Crown Media pres/CEO Henry Schleiff also spoke fondly of his enduring memory. “Fred Dressler was one of the leading statesmen of the cable industry and while we will miss his future contributions, we have the benefit of his legacy in the growth and success that he brought to all those who had the good fortune to work with him,” said Schleiff. Funeral services for Dressler will be private. His family asks that those wishing to make donations on his behalf direct their contributions to Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School, the Smilow Cancer Hospital, which will be part of the Yale-New Haven Hospital complex, or the American Cancer Society.