SBCA Adds New Staff, Strengthens Public Affairs Agenda

Alexandria, Va., Sept. 20, 2004 – The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) today announced Anne Perkins as SBCA’s new director of government and regulatory affairs. SBCA also announced a new staff and press assistant, John MacFarlane. Perkins and MacFarlane both have strong backgrounds in government and public affairs and are part of SBCA’s new objective of a stronger, more effective presence in Washington, DC.

 Perkins brings extensive experience to SBCA from both the satellite and communications industry. Most recently Perkins was special assistant to Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), where she worked closely with Commissioner Adelstein on a variety of regulatory issues. Before the FCC, Perkins served as law clerk to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Antitrust Subcommittee. She has also worked as a member of the telecommunications practice group at The Dutko Group, a top DC lobbying firm, and as a law clerk for the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association.

Perkins is a member of the federal communications bar association (FCBA) and this December will receive her JD from Catholic University of America. Perkins received her BA from the College of William and Mary where she received a double major in Philosophy and Government. She is an accomplished golfer and recently dominated the awards ceremony at the T. Howard Foundation’s annual golf tournament.

“Anne brings a wealth of knowledge to SBCA from both the legislative and regulatory angle of the communications industry. I have the utmost confidence that her efforts will increase the stature and effectiveness of our government affairs agenda both on Capitol Hill and at the FCC,” said Richard DalBello, president SBCA.

John MacFarlane, SBCA’s new staff and press assistant, comes to the Association from Senator Conrad Burns’ (R-MT) office. There, MacFarlane worked in a number of different capacities including press, legislative affairs and constituent services. MacFarlane worked on several communications issues as Sen. Burns served as chair of the Communications Subcommittee on the Senate Commerce Committee. MacFarlane majored in Marketing at Pennsylvania State University, is a native of Chicago and a huge Cubs fan.

“I am thrilled to welcome both Anne and John to the team at SBCA,” continued DalBello. “Their experience and dedication to this industry are sure to produce great results for the Association and our members.”

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association is the national trade organization representing all segments of the satellite industry. It is committed to expanding the utilization of satellite technology for the broadcast delivery of video, audio, data, music, voice, interactive, and broadband services. The SBCA is composed of DBS, broadband, satellite radio, and other satellite service providers, content providers, equipment manufacturers, distributors, retailers, encryption vendors, and national and regional distribution companies that make up the satellite services industry. Additional information can be found at www.sbca.com.