The cable business and its telecom-industry brethren are backed by plenty of acronymed trade groups. But how these orgs are backed is often unclear.
Luckily, the telecom industry's top trade groups are just like us! They file tax returns, too.
Culling through 2013 federal tax filings--the most recent documents available--FierceCable has gathered data on 11 of the industry's largest trade organizations, revealing how much they make from trade shows, their yearly revenue and more. In fact, in an effort sure to thrill trade-group accountants all over the Beltway, reporter Nicole Blanchard was able to break down the group's funds, including executive salaries and year-over-year comparisons.
You want the truth about the NCTA? Handle this:
The National Cable Telecommunications Association was the biggest earner on the list, taking in $71 million in revenue in 2013, with 86 percent of those funds coming from membership dues. And its signature trade show, INTX--formally known as The Cable Show--contributed $7.6 million to its coffers, about 11 percent of its overall revenue.
For more information on all of the industry's trade associations, check out this special report. --Daniel