News & Opinion

Willow Sports is Available on Sling Freestream, Fubo, DistroTV, Plex, Free Live Sports, YuppTV and KaroStream for Free   Willow, offering more live, streaming and on-demand cricket than any other sports service, today announced the launch of Willow Sports, North America’s cricket-focused Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channel. Starting today, Willow Sports offers fans free access to live marquee matches, classic games and much more.   Willow Sports is available on major streaming platforms, including Sling Freestream, Fubo, DistroTV, Plex, Free Live Sports, YuppTV and KaroStream, where viewers can catch select ICC Women’s T20 World Cup matches beginning on October 13, 2024.   “Over the past year, cricket’s popularity has skyrocketed in North America, largely fueled by USA’s stunning victory over Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the second season of Major League Cricket,” said Todd Myers, COO of Willow. “With this growing enthusiasm, Willow Sports will bring cricket further into the spotlight, offering free access to some of the most exciting matches and tournaments. American cricket fans have never had greater access to the second most popular sport in the world.”   Willow Sports launches with a diverse lineup featuring select live matches from major competitions such as the IPL and ICC events, including the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, beginning with coverage of the highly anticipated match between the dominant defending champions Australia and 2020 runners-up India on Sunday, October 13 at 10 am ET. With an unmatched slate of live women’s matches, Willow Sports is the true home of women’s cricket in America. Viewers have access to unforgettable performances from top athletes, along with full-length replays and highlights of iconic moments like Virat Kohli’s record-breaking century and the USA’s remarkable victory over Pakistan.   This announcement comes on the heels of a wave of success for Willow, having recently partnered with several streaming services and regional sports networks, including Fubo, YES Network, ROOT Sports, NBC Sports Bay Area, Monumental Sports and Bally Sports.   Willow is the home of cricket in North America and the only platform that reaches more than 5 million South Asians in the U.S. and Canada. The service connects advertisers and brands with an affluent and well-educated audience of passionate fans of cricket, the most popular sport of the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S., the Asian Indian community.   For more information on Willow Sports and how to access the channel, please visit www.willow.tv.

Applications for NEC X Elev X! Ignite Batch Program Increased by 23% from Cohort 11; More Than Doubled Year Over Year    NEC X, the Silicon Valley venture studio backed by NEC’s advanced technologies, has revealed the seven new standout startups selected for the Elev X! Ignite cohort, Batch 12.    Since 2018, NEC X has helped fuel the launch and growth of over 130 innovative tech startups, transforming their visionary ideas into scalable successes. The latest ventures were picked from a pool of 300 applicants for their industry-defining potential in areas such as climate and agriculture, software and app development, wireless network and IoT connectivity, recruitment and staffing, and more.    Elev X! Ignite reimagines the venture studio framework by offering a distinctive combination of collaboration, funding, engineering expertise, extensive R&D resources, and holistic support services. This tailored program accelerates entrepreneurs through the critical ideation and prototyping stages, equipping them to scale their innovative technologies in global markets.    NEC X has experienced rapid growth since launching its Elev X! programs, evidenced by a 23% increase in applications since Batch 11 in Q2 2024. Each new cohort not only marks a rise in applications, but also in the quality of ideas and disruptive technologies submitted.    “Our continued growth and quality of applicants underscores the unique opportunities we create, turning groundbreaking concepts into viable solutions through an unparalleled collaborative experience,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X. “Our selected startups exemplify forward-thinking innovation with the power to address critical challenges making a measurable difference in both their sectors and the world around them.”    The startups of Elev X! Ignite Batch 12 include:   AppShip – Automates enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation and knowledge maintenance by layering AI over ERP and CRM systems like SAP or Salesforce.   CEQAbase – Environmental impact reporting software delivers significant processing gains in project investigation, analysis and document preparation to meet regulatory requirements.   CodeIntegrity – Automates software quality assurance, reduces technical debt and boosts productivity, allowing engineers to focus more on innovation.  DASflect – Enhances wireless network performance using easy-to-install reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, enabling faster, more reliable connections at lower costs and complexity.  LandWise Analytica – Promotes sustainable agriculture through data-driven AI algorithms, advanced land sustainability maps and tailored land use recommendations.  Pairenthesis – First-of-its-kind AI-native data insights platform empowers businesses to achieve data excellence and accelerate decision-making—without writing any code – simplifying data import, cleaning and visualization to effortlessly unlock actionable insights.  PolarisJobs – Revolutionizes sales team recruitment with AI-powered screening and interviewing, reducing hiring time by up to 70% and enabling HR teams to focus on top candidates.    Elev X! members benefit from NEC X’s vibrant ecosystem of unique resources and services tailored to transform and launch early-stage companies. This encompasses funding opportunities, tailored mentorship, access to leading technologies, exclusive workshops, skills training, strategic partnerships and more.     This powerful combination of support, tools and resources empowers startups to create a strong Minimum Viable Product (MVP), validate their Proof-of-Concept (POC), attract paying customers, secure seed funding and, ultimately, succeed in today’s competitive market.    Recent graduates include Verdi, Chekable, Multitude Insights, Qualitative Intelligence and many more.    Applications for the upcoming cohort, Batch 13, will open in November 2024. For more information about Elev X! Programs, click here.    About NEC X  NEC X is an innovation powerhouse and curator of disruptive startups backed by the global technology leadership of NEC. Leveraging 125 years of IT and network technologies expertise, NEC X’s startup-focused approach transforms visionary ideas into commercial successes that revolutionize how we work and live. Since its inception in 2018, NEC X has helped launch and grow more than 100 startups.   Their Silicon Valley programs – Elev X! Ignite and Elev X! Boost – equip early-stage startup founders with the tools to fast-track their tech development and adoption. Elev X fuels startup success from inception to launch, connecting innovators with NEC’s 45,000 patents; global network of partners, mentors and advisors; reach into 55+ international markets; and $8 billion R&D ecosystem.   For more information, visit https://nec-x.com and https://www.elev-x.com.?    About NEC Corporation  NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.     For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com/.    NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. ©2024 NEC Corporation. 

BG&A’s Vice President and General Manager Will Discuss Strategies on Scaling Fiber Operations and Delivering Superior Customer Experience   Bob Gold & Associates, a 27-year-old boutique PR & Marketing services agency focused on Technology, Media and Telecom, today announced that Vice President and General Manager, Chris Huppertz, will be a featured speaker at the Broadband Nation Expo, taking place October 9-11 at the Gaylord Convention Center in Washington, D.C.   Broadband Nation Expo is the premier event bringing together industry experts, government officials and service providers to discuss the future of broadband in the United States, as well as pertinent solutions and strategies to bridge the digital divide.   Chris will moderate a fireside chat titled "Making Sense of the Converged Broadband and Entertainment Landscape" on Thursday, October 10. The session will feature two dynamic industry leaders from CSG – Reid Jenkins, Vice President, Strategic Business; and Rick Fernandez, Director, Product Management – as they discuss strategies and solutions for scaling fiber networks, improving operational efficiency and leveraging customer experience and AI to differentiate in an increasingly competitive market.   “The broadband industry is evolving at a breakneck pace, with service providers facing unprecedented challenges in scaling operations while meeting skyrocketing customer demands,” said Chris Huppertz. “As networks become more complex and competition intensifies, traditional strategies are no longer sufficient. Providers need innovative solutions to not only deploy fiber efficiently, but also deliver seamless customer experiences.”   Chris Huppertz brings over a decade of experience in public relations and marketing for telecommunications, media and technology companies. Chris’s deep understanding of emerging tech, combined with a charismatic leadership, makes him a sought-after advisor for clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.   Stay connected with the Broadband Nation Expo at https://www.broadbandnationexpo.com and on LinkedIn and X.   About Bob Gold & Associates Bob Gold & Associates is a data-driven PR and marketing agency focused on technology, media and telecom, and is recognized for its creative strategies, engaging storytelling and communications programs that propel businesses forward. Established in 1997, the agency has earned numerous accolades, including founder Bob Gold being named PRSA-LA's 2019 Communications Professional of the Year and induction as a Cable TV Pioneer, and ranks among the top 100 Best PR Agencies in America by Forbes in 2021.   Through its proprietary BG&A Insight™ methodology, the firm develops uniquely tailored strategies for each client, focusing on data and analysis to thrive in today's digital-first world. As a strategic partner, BG&A extends its expertise across the full spectrum of communications needs. The agency's global reach is facilitated through its offices in Los Angeles, New York City, Denver and Portland in addition to being a co-founder of WIN PR Group, a global network of hi-tech PR firms. For more information, visit www.bobgoldpr.com.   About Broadband Nation Expo Broadband Nation Expo unites broadband service providers and industry partners with academic, local, state and federal government leaders to focus on solving complex broadband-related issues. In collaboration with the Telecommunications Industry Association, the 2024 event takes place October 9-11 in Washington, D.C. Fierce Network is the official media partner of Broadband Nation Expo.

Viamedia, the country’s largest independent advertising digital and linear rep firm, today announced the appointment of Walter Baker as Director of Business Development & Affiliate Relations. Bringing over 25 years of experience in business development, Baker joins Viamedia from Prime Media Productions, where he served as Vice President of Business Services. In this new role, Baker will report directly to Madeline Kissel, Viamedia’s Vice President of Business Development & Affiliate Relations, as he focuses on enhancing relationships with Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs) and contributing to the company’s strategic expansion.   “Walter Baker is an incredible asset to our growing business development team and is set to make a transformative impact,” said David Solomon, CEO of Viamedia. “Bringing over two decades of industry experience and a genuine passion for building strong, lasting partnerships, he possesses the exceptional ability to nurture business relationships and offers deep insights into the advertising sector—exactly what we need as we continue to innovate and expand. With his proven track record of driving strategic growth, I’m confident he will be pivotal in advancing our mission and delivering even greater value to our partners and clients.”   Starting at Prime Media in 2002, Baker charted a remarkable path from videographer to producer, then to production manager, eventually becoming VP of Business Services. In this leadership role, he was instrumental in expanding Prime Media’s business, forging key partnerships that grew the company’s operations from a single state to over 30 states and territories nationwide.   “Joining Viamedia presents an incredible opportunity to contribute to a company that has long been at the forefront of the advertising industry,” said Walter Baker. “With its innovative technology transforming how advertisers engage with their audiences, Viamedia continues to set new standards in the field. I look forward to applying my experience to strengthen MVPD partnerships and drive meaningful growth for both our affiliates and clients.”   A Michigan native, Baker attended Western Michigan University and is a proud veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served as a Marine Science Technician. His diverse background includes owning and operating Baker Entertainment for 20 years and holding key business development roles at S & D Environmental and Remac USA. Baker’s extensive experience and proven track record in business development equip him with the expertise to drive growth and innovation at Viamedia.   About Viamedia Viamedia is the nation’s largest independent champion for video service providers’ advertising needs. The company places over 1 million ads daily in more than 130 zones in 28 states across 60+ markets nationwide, aggregating all types of TV audiences and providing a single point of sale to more than 6,000 local, regional, and national advertisers. It provides a comprehensive portfolio of audience and impression-based local video cross-media advertising solutions that bridge the gap between linear TV and digital programmatic advertising.   Viamedia offers a complementary suite of impression-based digital products for streaming, mobile, display, email, search, social and more. Headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, the company’s success is built on its people, processes and proprietary software. For more information, please visit https://viamediatv.com.

Viamedia, the country’s largest independent advertising digital and linear rep firm, today announced the appointment of Ken Little, former Chief Operating Officer of Ampersand, to its Board of Directors. With more than 35 years of experience in media and advertising, Little played a pivotal role in growing Ampersand, formerly NCC Media, the local ad sales company owned by Charter, Comcast and Cox, from a microenterprise to the industry’s largest source of combined multiscreen TV inventory. In his new role, Little will leverage his extensive expertise in advertising and media strategy to help guide Viamedia’s growth, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of AdTech innovation.    As COO of Ampersand (formerly NCC Media), Ken Little was instrumental in growing the company’s revenue 100x over 30 years. He drove the development of multiscreen interconnects with cable, telco, satellite and digital operators, which synchronized advertising across TVs, computers and mobile devices, greatly expanding ad inventory and enhancing revenue streams for MVPDs. Additionally, he established the industry’s first comprehensive eBusiness platform between NCC Media agencies and inventory owners, integrating an electronic data interchange (EDI) system that automated transactions and improved communication for media applications, significantly boosting operational efficiency and precision across the advertising sector.    “Viamedia is at a powerful juncture where the convergence of digital and linear platforms presents immense growth potential,” said Ken Little. “I’m fully prepared to help deepen Viamedia’s critical role across the advertising spectrum in local and national advertising and strengthen its leadership position. They already enjoy terrific operational efficiencies and are expanding into programmatic and addressable solutions by delivering data-driven advertising strategies that empower clients and drive measurable growth.”    “Ken’s extensive experience across local advertising, media and entertainment, combined with his ability to drive transformative growth, makes him an invaluable addition to Viamedia’s Board,” said David Solomon, CEO of Viamedia. “His experience and expertise align seamlessly with our vision to remain at the forefront of cross-platform advertising. Ken will play a critical role, I am quite certain.”    Little currently serves as CEO of AllTogether Entertainment Group, a media consulting firm specializing in content production and rights management.     Before leading AllTogether, the multi-talented, multi-hyphenate recorded, produced and managed national and international artists. His contributions have earned him two National Emmys for Technology, two ACE Awards for Television Programming, the CAB President’s Award, the NCTA Award for Advertising Engineering Excellence and five gold records for music production and performance.     About Viamedia  Viamedia is the nation’s largest independent champion for video service providers’ advertising needs. The company places over 1 million ads daily in more than 130 zones in 28 states across 60+ markets nationwide, aggregating all types of TV audiences and providing a single point of sale to more than 6,000 local, regional, and national advertisers. It provides a comprehensive portfolio of audience and impression-based local video cross-media advertising solutions that bridge the gap between linear TV and digital programmatic advertising.     Viamedia offers a complementary suite of impression-based digital products for streaming, mobile, display, email, search, social and more. Headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, the company’s success is built on its people, processes and proprietary software.?For more information, please visit https://viamediatv.com.

Curacao, the omnichannel retailer providing access to top brands, products and financial services, today announced it will celebrate the opening of its Tucson location’s new two-story store at the Tucson Mall with the largest grand opening extravaganza the city has ever seen. On Saturday, October 5, 2024, the Tucson community is invited to enjoy spectacular doorbuster deals and take part in an all-day entertainment celebration, including an appearance by Emmy® Award-winning host and actor Mario Lopez.   Curacao’s Grand Opening Doorbuster Deals: Samsung 65” Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV: $295, limited quantity: 30 HP 14” Laptop PC: $127, limited quantity: 30 Segway F25 Electric Scooter: $297, limited quantity: 50 GE Top Freezer Refrigerator: $195, limited quantity: 10 Davinci Gabby Pillowback Swivel Glider: $48, limited quantity: 50 HP DeskJet All-In-One Wireless Color Inkjet Printer: $17, limited quantity: 50 Ray-Ban Sunglasses: $48, limited quantity: 30 Samsung Galaxy Buds FE White: $27, limited 50 Tuscan Hill 7 Pc Dining Set: $297, limited quantity: 5 Sealy Remington Spring Queen Bed: $198, limited quantity 10 Huffy Spiderman or Princess Inline Kids’ Scooter: $8, limited quantity: 50 LEGO sets: $1, limited quantity: 50   “Our new Tucson store is truly state-of-the-art, offering the best deals and unforgettable shopping experiences,” said Alison Gaxiola, Store Manager of the Tucson Mall Curacao store. “With modern conveniences that reflect our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, we hope the community will join us in celebrating this exciting milestone. It’s our way of saying thank you for the incredible support Tucson has shown us over the years.”   A Grand Celebration in Tucson   Join Curacao at its new state-of-the-art store at the Tucson Mall, located at 4500 N Oracle Road on Saturday, October 5 from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM MT for a celebration all designed to create memories and unforgettable fun for the whole family. The event features: Celebrity Appearance: Customers can look forward to a memorable visit from Emmy® Award-winning host and actor Mario Lopez. Live Performances: Catch an exciting lineup of talent, including Mexican-American singer and Tucson native Luis Coronel, reggaeton singer , Queen tribute band Bohemian Queen, and Led Zeppelin tribute band Zep-LA. Price-Beat Guarantee: Attendees will have access to the latest high-quality electronics, furniture, appliances, home décor, fashion and home entertainment, all backed by Curacao’s price-beat guarantee and exceptional customer service. Fun for All Ages: Experience a variety of activities, including interactive crafts, entertainment and fantastic giveaways.   It’s a party for the whole community to enjoy, discover, and explore the latest possibilities for the future. Visit icuracao.com/tucson-event for a detailed schedule of events and follow Curacao on social media for even more surprises.   About Curacao and The Curacao Foundation Since its founding in 1978, Curacao has been guided by its mission to improve customers’ lives by extending credit options to hardworking, low-to-moderate-income individuals needing high-quality home and tech products, travel, export, and money transfer services at low monthly payments. At Curacao, customers can buy price-protected top brands and services on interest-protected credit while supporting the community. In addition, Curacao allocates a percentage of every purchase to support the advancement of its local communities through the Curacao Foundation. Curacao is an omnichannel retailer and lender serving customers online, over the phone, and in person in English and Spanish in Arizona, California and Nevada.   For more information, visit icuracao.com.   Established in 2002, The Curacao Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to building a future in which communities are financially strong, socially empowered, respected and included. The Curacao Foundation has worked with over 100 charities, organizations and institutions focusing on financial literacy, health, well-being, education and immigration all within a 10-mile radius of a Curacao retail location. In addition, the foundation supports community partner organizations through general operation and program grants.   For more information, visit icuracao.com and foundation.icuracao.com.  

Fireside Chat with Cox Communications' Ed Shrum Spotlights Technology’s Role in Shaping the Competitive CSP Landscape   Bob Gold & Associates, a 27-year-old boutique PR & Marketing services agency focused on Technology, Media and Telecom, is celebrating its 20th annual Media & Analyst Dinner at the SCTE TechExpo. The event features leading industry voices for an intimate, insight-filled gathering on Tuesday, September 24.   This year Bob Gold will conduct an engaging fireside chat featuring Ed Shrum, Vice President of Wireline Engineering and Shared Services at Cox Communications. The discussion explores the evolving competitive landscape, highlighting the pivotal role new technologies play in reshaping business worldwide.   More than 50 prominent media, analysts and top executives are expected to attend the event, held at the National Center for Civil & Human Rights in Atlanta’s Centennial Park.   “All business is built on relationships, and for 20 years, it has been an honor to host an event that fosters meaningful connections between industry leaders, with my dear friend Paul Schneider of PSPR,” said Bob Gold. “Our Media & Analyst Dinner has become a hallmark of SCTE TechExpo, offering attendees a unique combination of industry insight, inspiration and unparalleled networking opportunities.”   This year’s event, sponsored by Cox Communications and Ciena, stands out not only for its elegance and organization, but also for the exclusive opportunities to reconnect with peers, celebrate recent industry advancements and explore what's ahead in telecommunications and media technology.   About Bob Gold & Associates  Bob Gold & Associates is a data-driven PR and marketing agency focused on technology, media and telecom, and is recognized for its creative strategies, engaging storytelling and communications programs that propel businesses forward.?Established in 1997, the agency has earned numerous accolades, including founder Bob Gold being named PRSA-LA's 2019 Communications Professional of the Year and induction as a Cable TV Pioneer, and ranks among the top 100 Best PR Agencies in America by Forbes in 2021.   Through its proprietary BG&A Insight™ methodology, the firm develops uniquely tailored strategies for each client, focusing on data and analysis to thrive in today's digital-first world. As a strategic partner, BG&A extends its expertise across the full spectrum of communications needs. The agency's global reach is facilitated through its offices in Los Angeles, New York City, Denver and Portland in addition to being a co-founder of WIN PR Group, a global network of hi-tech PR firms. For more information, visit www.bobgoldpr.com.

NCTC and ACA Connects Mark Milestones and Announce New Programs at the Industry’s Only Conference for Programmers, Technology Vendors and Public Affairs Leaders    The National Content & Technology Cooperative (NCTC) and ACA Connects (ACAC) will host their 19th annual Independent Show (TIS) themed “Faster, Farther and Together” on August 19-22, 2024 at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.    “We are as relevant to broadband and video service providers today as the day we started 40 years ago. We were the first organization to create a co-op buying experience offering significantly discounted video pricing that allowed our members to feature video channels at prices comparable to those of the largest companies. Our members represent nearly one third of all broadband customers in the country,” said Lou Borrelli, CEO of NCTC. “Our history of innovation, cost savings and meeting the needs of our members has never been more important as the industry experiences lightning-fast change. Our mission and mandate are to ensure our members stay current and can keep up with everything from streaming to AI applications.”    NCTC’s 700+ service provider members are participating in some of the cooperative’s most recently launched strategic initiatives including becoming Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), allowing operators to provide member-branded mobile services to their broadband subscribers, and the NCTC Connectivity Exchange, the NCTC’s quote to order wholesale platform that enables members to bid for and win national broadband network service contracts.     NCTC is also exploring new cybersecurity services and AI, and will be announcing NCTC Broadband TV, which, when launched later this year, will provide NCTC members the opportunity to offer a lower-cost general entertainment OTT video service to their broadband-only subscribers by leveraging NCTC negotiated content rights and the members’ existing video service platforms.    “We have a great agenda planned for The Independent Show this year,” said ACA Connects’ President and CEO Grant Spellmeyer. “ACA Connects' top priority is to ensure attendees leave Nashville feeling better equipped to navigate the policymaking and regulatory world. We are looking forward to hosting events and panels with industry experts who can share valuable knowledge with our members who are eager to harness historic investments in rural broadband to grow their businesses, deploy more infrastructure and connect more Americans.”    ACAC has already proven indispensable for its members to navigate the regulatory and policy environment, including helping its members understand the federal government’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. BEAD has $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access across the United States and US territories. The latest version of the ACA Connects BEAD Program Framework estimates that 5.4 million unserved and underserved locations will be eligible for BEAD program funding and that the program should be able to provide robust broadband service to all these eligible locations.    Panels, speakers and sessions will cover topics such as:     Practical applications, marketing and the legal landscape in the age of AI  The future of video consumption in multi-device households  Advocacy and BEAD updates from Washington  The critical role of broadband in Nashville's tech economy  The implications of an FCC proposal to ban bulk billing  The fate of the FCC's attempt to reinstate Title II regulation of broadband service.    Keynotes on the show’s agenda include:    Crystal Washington: Harness Generative AI like ChatGPT for Enhanced Performance  Evan Shapiro: Future of Programming    The invitation-only event, held over four days, will have activities for the whole family as well as countless networking opportunities with NCTC and ACAC members, consisting of broadband, telco, cable, municipal and electric cooperative members from across the U.S. and Canada.         Mark Your Calendars for Next Year: NCTC’s Winter Educational Conference (WEC) will be held February 23-25, 2025, at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center. ACAC Summit 2025 will be held in Washington, D.C., from March 4-6, 2025. TIS 2025 will be held in Salt Lake City from August 10-13, 2025.   About NCTC    The National Content & Technology Cooperative (NCTC) was founded as a not-for-profit with one mission: to help members competitively acquire the video programming and vital technologies needed to offer world class services that define their communities’ infrastructure with vision, value and purpose. NCTC makes purchasing and implementation easy and affordable for its 700+ independent communications service providers who connect one third of all households and businesses throughout North America and U.S. territories. Going beyond significant cost savings, the organization helps members unlock new revenue through emerging technologies, best practices and new ideas ensuring the profitability, competitive stature and long-term sustainability of its member companies. For more than 40 years, NCTC has been actively engaged in helping network providers and suppliers evolve their business models to deploy new video/data solutions to match the changes in the media landscape. For more information, visit www.nctconline.org     About ACA Connects: America’s Communications Association   ACA Connects is a trade organization representing more than 500 smaller and medium-sized, independent companies that provide broadband, video, and phone services covering 31.9 million households, 7.3 million of which are located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. ACA Connects Members operate in every state, providing advanced communications to connect homes, companies, main street, schools, hospitals and more. America’s economic prosperity in smaller communities and rural areas depends on the growth and success of ACA Connects Members, who believe a connected nation is a prosperous nation. For more information, visit  www.acaconnects.org    As seen in LightReading: NCTC unveils 'Broadband TV,' aims to accelerate mobile program

Renowned Tech PR & Marketing Agency Promotes Venture Studio and Accelerator Programs   NEC X, the Silicon Valley-based innovation accelerator backed by Japanese technology powerhouse NEC, has selected its PR agency of record, Bob Gold & Associates, nationally recognized for its expertise in technology, media and telecom. The agency’s mandate is to enhance NEC X and its Elev X! programs by showcasing the comprehensive support provided to startups, from the initial development to market success, through strategic communications and targeted engagement.   “We exist to propel young industry-defining companies to new heights by harnessing over a century of tech innovation to fuel their success. Bob Gold & Associates impressed us with their outstanding expertise and proven ability to elevate the stories of our pioneering entrepreneurs,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X.   NEC brings 125 years of expertise in IT and networking, along with a vast portfolio of over 45,000 patents and an $8 billion R&D network. Its incubator division, NEC X, has proven to be a powerful catalyst for emerging businesses since 2018. The organization has launched and supports more than 100 startups in AI/ML, public safety, marketing, healthcare, climate, agriculture and more, with recent investments including innovative companies like Qualitative Intelligence,Verdi, Multitude Insights and Chekable.   "We were entirely wowed by NEC X’s depth of programs to transform visionary ideas into commercial successes," said Bob Gold, President of Bob Gold & Associates. "It’s incredibly exciting to be part of a unified NEC X team that empowers early-stage companies to unleash their full potential, reinvent entire industries and drive change."   Through Elev X! Ignite and Elev X! Boost programs, NEC X provides a robust framework for turning visionary ideas into successful market solutions. These programs provide a blend of strategic collaboration, funding, engineering expertise, and extensive R&D resources to accelerate startup growth and foster impactful commercial outcomes.   BG&A provides uniquely tailored strategies for a full spectrum of communication needs in today’s digital-first world. The company works closely with companies and organizations to provide customized, comprehensive, results-oriented, and data-driven campaigns that drive sales, dramatically increase share of voice and develop new relationships. Unique to the agency is its proprietary BG&A Insight™ approach which creates proactive, personalized, and effective media relations campaigns that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Replicable, and Timely; as well as its new Account-Based PR program.   About NEC X: NEC X is an innovation powerhouse and curator of disruptive startups backed by the global technology leadership of NEC. Leveraging 125 years of IT and network technologies expertise, NEC X’s startup-focused approach transforms visionary ideas into commercial successes that revolutionize how we work and live. Since its inception in 2018, NEC X has helped launch and grow more than 100 startups.   Their Silicon Valley programs – Elev X! Ignite and Elev X! Boost – equip early-stage startup founders with the tools to fast-track their tech development and adoption. Elev X fuels startup success from inception to launch, connecting innovators with NEC’s 45,000 patents; global network of partners, mentors and advisors; reach into 55+ international markets; and $8 billion R&D ecosystem.   For more information, visit https://nec-x.com and https://www.elev-x.com.   About Bob Gold & Associates Founded in 1997 by Cable TV Pioneer and Public Relations Society of America (PRSA LA) 2019 Communications Professional of the Year, Bob Gold has created an agency that specializes in the space where technology meets entertainment and enterprise utility. Recognized for its creative and comprehensive approach for its clients, Bob Gold & Associates was named to the first annual Forbes America’s Best PR Agencies List for 2021. The company was ranked among the top 100 5-star agencies nationwide.   Since its founding, Bob Gold & Associates has launched and helped grow 25 TV sports networks, numerous streaming services and worked with nearly every major Communications Service provider and industry association in the United States. A co-founder of a leading international association of independently owned hi-tech PR agencies, WIN PR Group, BG&A provides its clients with immediate international resources for one-time projects or on-going campaigns. Gold is also a published author of a popular children’s picture book, The Shiny Penny. For more information, please visit www.bobgoldpr.com.