NCTC Hires CEO

LENEXA, Kan. -- The National Cable Television Cooperative, Inc. (NCTC) has named Rich Fickle its new president and chief executive officer. In this role, he will oversee NCTC’s overall strategic direction and day-to-day operations and lead the membership organization’s efforts to further enhance the Cooperative’s buying and technology sourcing services.

Fickle is a 30-year industry veteran who has worked extensively with a broad array of cable operators, programmers, studios and technology providers. He joined Ascent Media in 2001, and served in several executive leadership positions, most recently as Senior Vice President of Cable/Telco VOD and TVE Services for Deluxe Entertainment, which acquired Ascent in January 2011. Previously, he was Senior Vice President/General Manager of Headend in the Sky (HITS) and Interactive TV for AT&T Broadband, with significant focus on the independent cable operators who became loyal customers of the service. Under Fickle’s leadership, HITS’ services were deployed by a majority of the industry’s cable operators and programmers. The HITS platform required developing new distribution solutions involving a number of suppliers working together.

In a statement following his selection by NCTC’s board, Fickle said: “One of the best experiences of my career was working with NCTC and its member companies. I am thrilled to join NCTC and continue my relationship with the members and staff. NCTC plays a critical role for many members and I am excited to be part of helping build even more value for the industry in the years to come. I believe there are many opportunities for NCTC to work collaboratively with suppliers and members helping to drive value for all companies as we all face key challenges in the industry.”

Fickle replaces Jeff Abbas, who served as NCTC’s President and CEO from 2005 until his resignation in March, 2011.

National Cable Television Cooperative Inc. (NCTC)