2024 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 20, 2024, Luncheon Speaker
David W. Kenny, executive chairman of Nielsen, discussed changes in audience measurement owing to the rise in streaming and digital content platforms at a Communications Forum luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 20. He also noted major differences in viewing habits between those over 35 and those under 35 – with those under 35 getting 65 percent of their content from streaming services.
September 11, 2024, Luncheon Speaker
FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya (right) fielded questions from former FTC commissioner Noah Phillips of Cravath about a host of topics of current or potential interest to the Federal Trade Commission during a collegial “fireside chat” at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington. Their lively discussion took place during a Communications Forum luncheon on Sept. 11.
July 10, 2024, Luncheon Speaker
Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, discussed the importance of rural broadband to small-town America and issues of concern to community-based broadband operators, including the Universal Service Fund and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD). Her remarks came at a Communications Forum luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C., on July 10.
June 4, 2024, Luncheon Speaker
Christopher S. Ripley, president and CEO of Sinclair Broadcast Group, shared his thoughts on the future of local broadcasting in this digital age during a wide-ranging “fireside chat” with Institute President Richard T. Kaplar (left). Broadcasters are facing intense competition from streaming services for viewers and Big Tech for ad dollars, he noted during a Communications Forum luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C., on June 4.
May 16, 2024, Luncheon Speaker
Media Institute Distinguished Senior Fellow Stuart N. Brotman shared sobering statistics about the decline in public support for free speech and press, and the low levels of public trust in the media, noting that these trends did not bode well for the future of democracy. His remarks came as he discussed the Institute’s Madison Project at a Communications Forum luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C., on May 16.
April 9, 2024, Luncheon Speaker
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said there is no reason to regulate Internet service providers under Title II other than expanding government control. He said the Commission should return to its proven playbook focusing on infrastructure and spectrum. He also said the nation should embrace viewpoint diversity rather than censorship. He spoke at a Communications Forum luncheon at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C., on April 9.
March 5, 2024, Luncheon Speaker
Political analyst Charlie Cook offered fascinating insights into the current political landscape and discussed the comparative strengths and weaknesses of the likely presidential candidates in a Super Tuesday preview of the 2024 elections. He quipped that 75% to 80% of the audience, regardless of party, would feel depressed after his talk – which came at a Communications Forum luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C., on March 5.
February 20, 2024, Luncheon Speaker
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez discussed changes in how people consume news and the FCC’s potential role in regulating aspects of news-delivery technology. She stressed the FCC has no authority to regulate news content, and also emphasized the value of media literacy education. Her remarks came at a Communications Forum luncheon at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 20.