Indy Show End Notes

Cable One vp, strategic marketing Jerry McKenna was elected as NCTC‘s new chmn. WOW! programming vp Peter Smith was named vice chmn. Massillon‘s Bob Gessner is NCTC’s outgoing chmn. — WOW! chief Colleen Abdoulah accepted CableFAX Magazine‘s award for Independent Operator of the Year at Tues night’s dinner, graciously thanking all of the overbuilder’s employees. As she put it: it’s about the customer, not winning awards, but winning them sure does feel good. She should know. WOW! has picked up 5 J.D. Power awards in customer satisfaction.— MSTV head David Donovan stressed that cable ops and broadcasters need to communicate closely as they prepare for the DTV transition. Despite the many issues between the 2 sides, this is one "where we can all check our guns at the door," he told Independent Show attendees Tues. Donovan’s multitude of advice included not waiting until the first of the year to purchase/install headend equipment and receivers because it could create a crunch. In addition, installation will be hard in northern climates with snow and ice. He noted that some broadcasters, particularly must carry stations, don’t even know all the cable operators that are carrying them. "Both of us have to really start some coordination efforts and discussions," he said. Coordination meetings have been held in MN and OR, with others planned in TX and WV.