Cablefax The Magazine - May 2010 - 25

The incoming Hall of Fame class
speaks of technology, baseball
and White House visits.
CFAX: You've been very political recently, especially
on national security. What's your biggest concern
about U.S. security?
Nathanson: In my travels around the globe in the last few
years, I feel that there have been increased negative feeling
toward the US. I believe the Administration and Secretary
Clinton have improved our ability to communicate and share
our values-Democracy, free market, free press, rule of law,
strong opposition parties-but we still have a long way to go.
NGO's like the National Democratic Institute for International
Affairs, which I am involved with, are doing much at the
grassroots level. Also, our quick reaction to Haiti and after
the tsunami have helped, but there's still a lot of criticism of
America throughout the developing world. I have to believe
we can do a better job making our values known to the rest
of the world.
Abbe Raven, President and CEO,
AETN
CFAX: You were a school teacher.
Ever think you'd be running an international
media conglomerate?
Raven: No. I never could have imagined
that. Teaching taught me so many life lessons.
It taught me invaluable leadership skills and how to think
on my feet as well as how to tell a story to keep young people
engaged. I'm incredibly pleased with the educational outreach
we do at AETN. I'm so proud that we give back to the community.
It reminds me of my roots as a teacher.
CFAX: How can cable get more women into senior
positions at MSOs?
Raven: I think by continuing to support the advancement
of women in the industry. The programming side has so
many great women running networks-Anne Sweeney, Nancy
Dubuc, Judy McGrath, Bonnie Hammer-the list goes on
and on. Eventually, you'll see more women running things
on the MSO side because there are many of them in great
positions already, like Melinda Witmer and Carol Hevey at
Time Warner Cable; Cox's Jill Campbell; and Comcast's
Amy Banse.
CFAX: You seem to get invited to the White House
quite a bit. What's been your biggest thrill inside
those walls?
Raven: We feel privileged that the work we do at AETN often
gets recognized by The White House, especially by multiple
Administrations. It's always an honor to go there. But the fi rst
time I went will always be special to me. I called my mother
from the North Lawn and said, 'You're not going to believe
where I am - I'm at the White House.' I truly was reminded of
CableFAX: The Magazine
May 2010
Yolanda Barco, VP
Meadville Master Antenna (Deceased)
" Cable started in small towns, " says our founder and
Cable Hall of Famer Paul Maxwell, " but from those towns
came some giants who shaped the industry today. One
was Yolanda Barco. " To accurately assess her career you
have to remember she began it in 1950, as a lawyer, well
before women were an accepted part of the business
world. Barco amassed a slew of fi rsts: she was the fi rst
woman GM of a cable system; the fi rst elected to the
NCTA board; the fi rst elected to be president of a state
cable association; and the fi rst woman to win a Vanguard
for Leadership. " She was, simply put, cable's fi rst lady, "
Maxwell says. Agreed.
Who, What, Where, When
Who: 2010 Cable Hall of Fame Inductees
What: Induction and Tribute to Bill Bresnan
Where: Diamond Ballroom, JW Marriott at L.A. Live!
When: May 11, 6pm
my roots that day, a young girl from Queens who made it to
The White House. It was very special to make that call.
JR Shaw, Executive Chair, Shaw
Communications
CFAX: You've accomplished so much.
What keeps you motivated?
Shaw: I fi nd joy in taking an idea, building
a vision and working with motivated,
committed people to bring it to life. There
is always more to do in a constantly evolving industry. I get
strength and energy from working with my family and all the
talented employees who share our drive to be best in class for
our customers and build on that special relationship to extend
products and services in broadband, wireless and future innovations.
CFAX:
What's the biggest misconception Americans
in cable have about Canadian cable?
Shaw: Canada is not just an extension of the American market.
While we have many shared values, the Canadian cable
industry is different. We are one-tenth the size, with a more
complex regulatory system and a government commitment
to Canadian content. The US seems more unfettered but has
other complications from broadcasters and local agencies.
We both are successful because we've adapted to our environment.
The Canadian cable business is tough, challenging,
competitive and unique. That's why we love it.
cablefaxmag.com
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Cablefax The Magazine - May 2010

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