Show Me The Mooney
Buzz around NCTA among those who are old enough to remember cable politics in the early 1990s is that former NCTA chief Jim Mooney, who resigned in 1993, in disgrace, some say, will make an appearance at The Cable Show this week.
Mooney’s kept a low profile since leaving NCTA in the midst of reports that its board was furious with his lack of energy and effectiveness. Mooney insisted at the time that he resigned on his terms. The scuttle back then was that he was forced to exit.
The more practical reason Mooney allegedly was booted from the top spot as NCTA Pres/CEO 15 years ago was that he couldn’t prevent Congress from legislating the toughest regulatory bill in cable’s history, the Cable Act of 1992. Mooney was 50 when he left Massachusetts Avenue. He’s been a consultant since that time.
Mooney hasn’t attended cable’s trade show since his departure from NCTA, sources said, and has been living on Prince Edward Island, which some cable insiders jokingly refer to as Mooney’s Elba. He’ll be attending the show in New Orleans to be present at the Vanguard Awards, sources said.