2025 Communications Forum Speakers
Below is a list of the representatives from government and the communications industry who have been featured speakers at The Media Institute’s Communications Forum luncheons:
November 19, 2025, Luncheon Speaker
Jonathan Spalter, president and CEO of USTelecom, shared his thoughts on the telecom industry in a fireside chat with Media Institute President Richard Kaplar on Nov. 19. He discussed a range of topics including the transition to IP-based networks, cybersecurity, connectivity, BEAD implementation, and the permitting process, Their chat took place at the Communications Forum season finale at the Melrose Hotel in D.C.
September 24, 2025, Luncheon Speaker
Scott Delacourt, chief of staff of the Federal Communications Commission, engaged in a wide-ranging fireside chat with Institute Board Chairman Dick Wiley on Sept. 24. Topics included the 39% audience cap, HDTV, spectrum auction authority, net neutrality, wireless competition, and the Chevron deference. Their discussion took place at the September Communications Forum luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in D.C.
July 16, 2025, Luncheon Speaker
Danielle Coffey, president and CEO of the News/Media Alliance, affirmed the publishing industry’s strong support for freedom of the press and then outlined issues related to AI facing publishers, including the unauthorized use of AI to obtain their content. Her remarks came at the July Communications Forum luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in D.C. on July 16.
June 24, 2025, Luncheon Speaker
Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, discussed the need to update or repeal outdated statutory provisions and regulations affecting local broadcast stations to reflect today’s media environment. He spoke at the June Communications Forum luncheon at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel in D.C. on June 24.
May 15, 2025, Luncheon Speaker
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez spoke out forcefully in defense of a strong First Amendment, calling it “foundational to our democracy,” as she outlined a host of recent governmental actions that have threatened free speech and a free press. Her remarks came at a Communications Forum luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C.
April 16, 2025, Luncheon Speaker
Telecom analyst Craig Moffett of MoffettNathanson Research discussed demographic trends and economic factors affecting the growth of broadband, fiber, and wireless technologies at the April Communications Forum luncheon. The event took place at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C.
March 20, 2025, Luncheon Speaker
FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington (right) talked about a wide range of policy issues during a fireside chat with Institute Board Chairman Dick Wiley on March 20. Topics included the outlook for 5G, spectrum availability, changes to broadcast ownership rules, and Supreme Court decisions affecting agency authority. The Communications Forum luncheon took place at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C.
February 19, 2025, Luncheon Speaker
Curtis LeGeyt, president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, stressed the need for changes in media ownership regulations to give local broadcasters a level playing field against Big Tech and streaming services. This is broadcasters’ top priority, he said. His remarks came at the 2025 season opener of the Communications Forum Luncheon Series at the Fairmont Hotel in D.C.