Cable industry’s new chief lobbyist is a Republican fundraiser and ex-senator

The cable industry's premier lobbying organization has appointed a new leader. Cory Gardner, a former Republican senator, has been named the president and CEO of NCTA-The Internet & Television Association. His tenure in Congress spanned a decade, with Gardner serving as the senator for Colorado from 2015 to 2021, following his time in the US House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015. Gardner's entry into this role comes after a significant career shift. He stepped down from the Senate after an unsuccessful re-election bid and subsequently chaired the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC focused on maintaining and growing the Republican majority in the Senate. He will officially assume his position at NCTA on September 22, succeeding Michael Powell, who is retiring after nearly 15 years of service. Powell, prior to his role at NCTA, was the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 2001 to 2005 and led a Republican majority during his tenure. The NCTA's decision to appoint Gardner is part of a broader trend in the telecom sector, which frequently recruits former government officials. For instance, in April, the wireless industry’s CTIA appointed former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai as its new president and CEO, succeeding Meredith Attwell Baker, who had led the organization since 2014. Baker, a former Republican FCC member, took over from Steve Largent, a former Republican congressman and NFL player who held the position from 2003 to 2014. This cycle of leadership changes reflects the ongoing relationship between the telecom industry and former government officials.