New World Order

CTAM execs have a few more questions than usual about their annual Summit get together in Boston this summer. First, there’s the matter of the Adelphia/TW Cable/Comcast transaction, which is scheduled to close around the event’s dates, July 17-19. "If that does close at the end of July, a lot of people will be very distracted," CTAM’s Char Beales said. Then there’s the cable portion of TCA (July 10-14), which will have CTAM staffers divided between the 2 coasts since CTAM has taken over the tour from NCTA. Still, pre- registrations are on pace with the ’05 record 3300 attendees. — This year’s event will feature several panels looking at emerging platforms as part of the theme "The New World." Expect Disney-ABC’s decision to stream popular shows online for free to prompt spirited discussions this year. "CTAM is about shared learning, and if that takes us into areas where there are different points of view, the better," said Summit co-chair Lindsay Gardner of Fox Cable. Newly announced speakers include MTV Nets’ Judy McGrath (an ’06 Grand Tam winner), Intel’s Donald McDonald and Young & Rubicam’s June Blocklin. — Summit attendees will be able to read stories and papers online in the weeks before the show, said co-chair Pat Gottesman of Cablevision. — CTAM execs made the decision to start this year’s Summit on a Mon to give execs more time to spend with their families. — Fresh off his CTPAA Beacons gig, "Best Damn Sports Show’s" John Salley will host the CTAM Mark Awards July 17. — No word yet on who the talent will be for Summit’s famous parties. MTV and Disney are sponsors.