Following the restoration of internet privacy authority to the FTC, Glist has found himself explaining why states don’t need to rush in and create their own legislation. The past year also had him renewing the national voluntary agreement for energy efficiency in set-top boxes. And still he finds time to visit events like CES to keep his finger on the industry’s pulse. The ability to juggle multiple complex issues is one of his keys to negotiating. “Know the business, law, policy, and technology of the deal and be able to translate it to the different stakeholders,” he says.
What have been the most important legal issues in communications for you in the past year?
Explaining why state legislators faced no urgent need to legislate after Congress restored Internet privacy authority to the FTC.
Separating facts from “alternative facts” and developing constructive solutions for various FCC and State infrastructure and deployment dockets.
Renewing the national voluntary agreement for energy efficiency in set-top boxes used with multichannel video and the companion voluntary agreement for small network equipment used with Internet services.
What is your golden rule for negotiating?
Know the business, law, policy, and technology of the deal and be able to translate it to the different stakeholders.
Listen, understand and know the stakeholders.
Look for win-wins. Not everything is zero-sum.
If you could be remembered for just one case, which case would that be and why?
If I must choose one, let me be remembered for Heritage, the first ruling to free cable to evolve, use fiber, carry non-video services, and remain “cable” even if carries data and video in the same plant. A lot of innovation is grounded on that bedrock.