2022 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 15, 2022, Luncheon Speaker
FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks discussed what he termed “a new frontier for broadcasting” made possible by the ATSC 3.0 operating standard at a Communications Forum luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 15. He cited advantages of ATSC 3.0 including the ability of broadcasters to deliver more programming, hyper-local programming, emergency alerting, and targeted advertising. His remarks came at the season finale of the popular D.C. luncheon series.
September 21, 2022, Luncheon Speaker
Laura Martin, senior entertainment and Internet analyst for Needham & Company, LLC, discussed the future of streaming services, linear television, and Big Tech companies during a fast-paced and engaging presentation at a Communications Forum luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 21. Mergers, scale of operation, revenue streams, and media user trends were among the topics she discussed from a Wall Street perspective.
August 10, 2022, Luncheon Speaker
Kathleen Grillo, senior vice president of public policy and government affairs for Verizon, discussed Verizon’s efforts to close the digital divide by introducing its new fixed wireless service “5G Home” and by making FIOS more affordable. She also discussed the need for federal privacy legislation that is comprehensive, enforceable, and flexible. Her remarks on these and other topics came during a Communications Forum virtual luncheon event on Aug. 10.
June 16, 2022, Luncheon Speaker
NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson discussed efforts of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to distribute more than $40 billion for broadband buildout nationwide at the Communications Forum luncheon on June 16. He also touched on a range of other issues including spectrum management, privacy, and Internet policy during a “fireside chat” with Media Institute President Rick Kaplar at an in-person event at The Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C.
May 17, 2022, Luncheon Speaker
FTC Commissioner Noah Phillips discussed the Federal Trade Commission’s growing interest in rulemaking and regulation, prospects for federal privacy legislation, merger activity, and issues related to Big Tech at a Communications Forum virtual luncheon on May 17. He took part in an engaging “fireside chat” with Media Institute Chairman Dick Wiley, covering a multitude of issues affecting businesses and consumers.
April 26, 2022, Luncheon Speaker
Michael Powell, President and CEO of NCTA – The Television & Internet Association, offered his thoughts on a wide variety of topics including the health of the industry, infrastructure buildout, and Net Neutrality during a “fireside chat” with Media Institute Chairman Dick Wiley at a Communications Forum virtual luncheon on April 26. He addressed issues affecting broadband providers, cable operators, streaming services, and consumers.
March 9, 2022, Luncheon Speaker
News Media Alliance President and CEO David Chavern outlined the current state of the news industry and the challenges of achieving fair compensation from Big Tech platforms for online news content during a Communications Forum virtual luncheon on March 9. He noted that the “strategic heart” of the news industry is now digital, and that the audience for news is bigger than ever.
February 15, 2022, Luncheon Speaker
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt discussed the legislative and regulatory priorities of the National Association of Broadcasters during the season premiere of the 2022 Communications Forum Luncheon Series. Topics included the gatekeeping function of tech platforms, the need to modernize broadcast ownership rules, and the economic impact of new FCC regulations. The event took place in virtual format on Feb. 15.