Who's Who in NCTA's Search for a Chief
By BroadCasting & Cable Staff -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/12/2004 7:00:00 PM
By Staff
In a few weeks, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association is expected to name a new president to succeed Robert Sachs. The outgoing chief gives a farewell speech to the Washington Metropolitan Cable Club Tuesday Dec. 14. NCTA appears to be going for well-connected former lawmakers or senior-level administration aides. It's looking for someone with close ties to the White House who can navigate Congress as it begins rewriting the telecommunications laws. The post is one of the most lucrative in Washington: Sachs' $1.2 million annual salary is second among media-related posts, topped only by the $1.3 million earned by the retiring Jack Valenti of the Motion Picture Association of America. Already scratched off the NCTA short list are Verizon lobbyist Tom Tauke, who rebuffed an NCTA invite to apply for the job, and Disney lobbyist Mitch Rose. Others apparently out are former Pentagon (and NCTA) spokeswoman Torie Clarke and FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy. Although a dark-horse candidate can't be ruled out, three names in the hunt are:
Phillip Bond
Current Job
Undersecretary for Technology, Dept. of Commerce; ex-chief of staff to former Commerce Secretary Don Evans
Why Him?
Worked as Defense Dept. aide to current Vice President Dick Cheney during early '90s; has Hill contacts from days as congressional staffer and Defense Dept lobbyist. At Commerce Dept. Bond's portfolio includes telecom but also science and space policy
Michael Gallagher
Current Job
Chief of National Telecommunications and Information Administration; former Washington state lobbyist for Verizon Wireless, lobbyist for AirTouch Communications, aide to Rep. Rick White
Why Him?
Junior to Bond at the Commerce Dept. but more focused on telecom issues; also in the running for FCC seat if GOP slot opens
Rep. George Nethercutt
Current Job
The congressman (R-Wash.) became a GOP hero in 1994 by unseating Rep. Tom Foley, the first House speaker to be defeated since 1860; ex-aide to Sen. Ted Stevens, incoming chairman of the Commerce Committee, the main panel overseeing telecom issues
Why Him?
Hiring the former Washington state lawmaker would follow trend set by MPAA and other top trade groups in hiring ex-lawmakers to represent them in the nation's capital
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