Once charged by the NAB with throwing the communications equivalent of molotov cocktails at the cable industry, Robert Kenny has switched sides for a new regulatory communications role at Charter Communications.
Former TV Freedom flamethrower Kenny has been hired by Charter, along with former Fox government affairs executive Maureen O’Connell, to work on and in Washington D.C. on behalf of the MSO.
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Kenny has taken the role of director for policy communications at Charter, reporting to Tamara Smith, VP of policy communications.
Kenny formerly worked for Beltway-based strategic communications company Mercury, prominently – and aggressively – serving its client the National Broadcasting Association by disseminating news, data and caustic opinion that didn’t flatter the pay-TV industry.
Last year, for example, Kenny authored an email from the group to members of the media titled, “TWC Customers, Beware of Charter's Hidden Broadband Modem Fee.”
In February, Kenny blogged about “The Great Pay-TV Rip-off,” warning that “U.S. pay-TV companies collectively generate $100 billion per-year on the backs of the American consumer.”
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The hits kept coming through Mid-August, when Kenny blogged about a new Sinclair Broadcasting campaign, conducted in coordination with TV Freedom, to hand out over-the-air antennas in markets affected by a blackout with Dish Network.
“We are thrilled to welcome Maureen and Rob to Charter,” said Catherine Bohigian, executive VP of government affairs for Charter. “Both have impressive experience working on telecommunications policy in the private and public sectors and will add tremendous value to our advocacy efforts.”
For her part, O’Connell has been named VP of regulatory affairs, reporting to Elizabeth Andrion, senior VP of regulatory affairs.