Note: We've reported on this group in the past - but this is worth repeating.
from: Source Watch [1]
TV4US describes itself as a coalition "advocating on behalf of American customers who deserve new choices, better service and lower costs in their television service." [1] [2] The public interest group Common Cause [3] called TV4US "the very definition of Astroturf [4]: an industry-backed campaign that gives the appearance of widespread grassroots support." [2] [5]
TV4US "is co-chaired by President Clinton [6]'s former Deputy Chief of Staff Steve Ricchetti [7] and Republican strategist Charlie Black [8]," according to Common Cause. In 2001 and 2002, "they led the AT&T-backed Voices for Choices [9] organization in opposition to the proposed Tauzin-Dingell telecom bill." [3] [10]
Kelley Gannon [11] is identified as a TV4US spokesperson in multiple news accounts. [4] [12] But Gannon actually works for the Fleishman-Hillard [13] PR firm, according to Jack O'Dwyer's Newsletter (see below). [5] [14]
Joe Eyer [16] of the firm Dewey Square Group [17] as a lobbyist, according to the online database Lobbyists.info (accessed March 28, 2007).
"Fleishman-Hillard [18] is repping the TV4US coalition, which wants to streamline cable TV regulation to allow easier market entry for telecoms," reported Jack O'Dwyer's Newsletter in June 2006. "Kelly [sic] Gannon, who joined F-H from the National Assn. of Chain Drug Stores, serves as TV4US spokesperson. The coalition is running a series of ads, but Gannon said she could not discuss ad buys with O’Dwyer’s." [6] [19]
"Gannon is coordinating her activities with Charlie Black, chairman of Burson-Marsteller [20]’s BKSH & Assocs. lobbying wing and former Republican National Committee [21] spokesperson, and Steve Ricchetti, President Clinton’s former deputy chief of staff," added O'Dwyer's. [7] [22]
[8] [24]
- AC Data Systems [25] Inc.
- Actiontec Electronics [26] Inc.
- The America Channel [27]
- Asian Business Association [28]
- Asian Women In Business [29]
- AT&T [30]
- BTECH Inc. [31]
- Center for Individual Freedom [32]
- Charles Industries [33]
- Condux International [34]
- Construction Industry Roundtable [35]
- Coastcom [36]
- Frontiers of Freedom [37]
- Hammerhead Systems [38] Inc.
- Independent Technologies [39] Inc.
- Japanese American Citizens League [40]
- Leapstone Systems [41] Inc.
- MRV Communications [42], Inc.
- National Black Chamber of Commerce [43]
- National Association of Manufacturers [44]
- National Association of Neighborhoods [45]
- National Taxpayers Union [46]
- Northstar Communications Group [47] Inc.
- NSG America [48]
- Optical Entertainment Network [49]
- Prysmian Communications Cables and Systems USA [50]
- Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council [51]
- SNC Manufacturing Co. [52] Inc.
- The Citizenship Foundation [53]
- The Latino Coalition [54]
- White Rock Networks [55] Inc.
- Women Presidents' Organization [56]
http://www.wewantchoice.com [58]
AT&T [60]
TV4US profile [63], Common Cause (accessed March 28, 2007).