“Matt Groen is a tremendous asset to the Michigan Cable Telecommunications Association and its member companies,” said Chris Horak of Comcast Michigan, who serves as the cable association’s Board President. “Matt brings extensive legislative experience, and the MCTA Board was impressed by the effectiveness and leadership he demonstrated during his tenure as MCTA’s government affairs director. The MCTA Board feels privileged to have Matt lead the association through what promises to be a period of continued technological advancements for cable consumers throughout the state.”

Groen, of Lansing, succeeds Colleen McNamara, who officially retired last month. In 2009, Groen was appointed MCTA’s government affairs director. During the past few months, Groen served as interim executive director while maintaining his role directing government affairs.

“I am thrilled to be asked to lead the Michigan Cable Telecommunications Association during a time of such rapid expansion and innovation throughout the cable industry,” Groen said. “Cable in Michigan has a great story to tell – beginning with the early years of straightforward video television to where we are today, able to offer consumers broadband Internet, phone service, on-demand programming on multiple platforms including tablets and smart phones, and more. It’s an exciting time for cable consumers — and that makes it an exciting time for those of us in the cable industry.”

MCTA member companies represent approximately 85 percent of Michigan’s cable subscribers. The MCTA, founded in 1981, provides information to state legislators on the issues important to the cable industry and serves as a clearinghouse of information for its members. The association also produces and distributes Michigan specific public affairs programming with the cooperation and resources of all member cable systems. For more information, go to MichCable.org.

“We’re thrilled to have Chris Horak serve as President of our association’s Board,” said Matt Groen, MCTA Interim Executive Director. “The cable industry continues to evolve and innovate in ways most of us could never have imagined even a few short years ago. With his extensive experience in the telecommunications field, Chris has the depth of knowledge needed to provide strong leadership for the MCTA Board.”

Cable companies today provide a wide range of services to customers, including television, phone services, and broadband — with high speed cable connections leading the way in linking Michigan homes and businesses to the Internet.

“I am honored to have this opportunity to serve on a board with industry colleagues who share my passion for cable innovation,” Horak said.

Prior to joining Comcast, Horak served as MCTA’s Government Affairs Director.

The MCTA Board has also welcomed Lisa Birmingham, Vice President of Government Affairs at Comcast Michigan, to the Board. The other members of the MCTA Board are: Tim Ransberger of Charter (Vice President); Bob McCann of Brighthouse Networks (Treasurer); Chris McDonald of Comcast (Member); and Bill Morand of Charter Communications (Member).

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The Michigan Cable Telecommunications Association, formed in 1981, represents the interests of the cable telecommunications industry in Michigan. MCTA associate members include cable networks and businesses related to the cable industry. MCTA-member companies serve more than 2.3 million customers in all 83 Michigan counties, and represent approximately 85 percent of Michigan’s cable subscribers. MCTA provides information to legislators and the news media on the issues important to the cable industry and serves as a clearinghouse of information for its members. The association also produces and distributes Michigan specific public affairs programming with the cooperation and resources of all member cable systems. For more information, go to http://michcable.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 3, 2011

For more information, contact Rose Tantraphol at 517.485.6600

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Cable Telecommunications Association (MCTA) urges residents to spread the word about the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) taking place Nov. 9 around 2 p.m. Eastern time. The test, which will last more than three minutes, will be conducted on all television, radio, cable, and satellite systems throughout the United States.

The EAS — established in 1994 following the precursor Emergency Broadcast System that began in 1963 — is a media communications-based alerting system that transmits emergency alerts and warnings to the American public at the national, state and local levels. EAS participants broadcast thousands of alerts and warnings to the American public each year regarding weather threats, child abductions, and many other types of emergencies. The Nov. 9 test are scheduled to run for a short duration of about 30 seconds and will be carried across all channels.

“It’s important that Michigan citizens are aware of the test and the rationale for conducting it nationwide and across the spectrum of delivery systems,” said Michigan Cable Telecommunications Association Executive Director Colleen McNamara. “Residents can help ensure no one becomes alarmed or overly concerned with the longer EAS message by spreading the word among friends and family about the Nov. 9 test.”

This test is being conducted by the Federal Communications Commission, in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to examine the reliability and effectiveness of the federal warning system.

Learn more about about the EAS.

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