For nearly 13 years, he advocated for broadcast television and radio as a member of the NAB‘s Media Relations and Communications corps. On December 15 came word that he would be relinquishing his VP of Communications post for “a telecom industry job.”
Little did anyone know that Zamir Ahmed would be joining a lobbying group squarely opposed to much of what the NAB has advocated for on behalf of its television industry members.
As of today, Ahmed is now associated with ACA Connects, formerly the American Cable Association. Ahmed will serve as Vice President of External Affairs and lead “external affairs strategies to advance ACA Connects’ policies and perspectives to diverse audiences, including legislators, federal officials, policymakers, industry partners and other stakeholders.”
The appointment of Ahmed comes as Olivia Shields, the Communications Director for the Energy and Commerce Committee, joins ACA Connects as Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications. Shields will develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies to advance ACA Connects’ mission and advocacy goals. In her most recent role, Shields led the communications and messaging strategies for Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and her policy priorities, including in telecommunications and technology.
This suggests Shields will take a most conservative approach to policy lobbying when it comes to such subjects as retransmission consent and broadcast ownership rules for television, and how it would impact ACA Connects’ small-market and independent MVPD constituency.
Meanwhile, ACA Connects is appointing Max Staloff as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. He will work with Brian Hurley, the Chief Regulatory Counsel, to advocate for legal and regulatory policies that benefit the interests of ACA Connects Members.
Staloff began his career as a FCC attorney, including in the Office of General Counsel. Most recently, he worked in private practice, advising wireless carriers, satellite operators, cable operators, major technology companies, and trade associations on issues and policies related to spectrum, license transfer allocations, merger review, infrastructure, and satellite and experimental licensing.
