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CAB Taps Agency Star

Chuck Thompson leaves Universal McCann. Move is latest in CAB's transition from information bureau to media advocate.

July 26, 2004

NEW YORK (July 26, 2004)—Chuck Thompson, senior vice president, director of client services at Universal McCann, is joining the Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau in the new role of senior vice president of sales. The title is a first for the media association, and affirms CAB's intent to play an active role in reshaping the television marketplace.

A 21-year veteran of the agency business, Thompson was responsible for the strategy and business development team that led Universal McCann to record billings in the past four years. His background in advertising strategy and media planning spans the range of television advertisers, from consumer packaged goods to corporate, financial accounts and retail accounts. In his new role, he will work with advertisers and agencies to influence strategies on using television effectively.

"Advertisers face a connection crisis that jeopardizes brands," said Thompson. "Connecting with consumers on television is of critical importance. As a planner, I’ve come to think of cable as the front edge of TV. There’s so much you can do with the medium to connect personally with large numbers of viewers, and digital services will only enhance this capability. Showing advertisers how to profit from this evolution is the most exciting job in media."

Thompson is the third high-profile agency media executive to join CAB in the past year. CAB president Sean Cunningham left his post as executive vice president, managing director at Universal McCann last July, and hired star researcher Ira Sussman from Initiative last fall. In May, CAB released initial results of the first research study to compare broadcast and cable television viewing ("How People Use TV 2004"), which found that consumers are more responsive to advertising on cable networks. In June, CAB released a definitive guide to multicultural options on cable. The moves reflect a shift in the stance of CAB, from information bureau to media advocate.

"We're putting our money where our mission is," said Cunningham. "We're out to show advertisers and agencies how to get the most from their investment in TV. Chuck is the perfect person to help do that—he's helped top advertisers follow the viewers in the most challenging media environment ever. He’s a top pro at the top of his game, and we have a long track record of high-profile accounts wins together."

CAB’s added push comes on the heels of a record Upfront market for cable, which saw significant gains for major cable networks.

About Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau
Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau (www.onetvworld.org) represents virtually all of the nation's ad-supported cable networks and system operators that serve more than 90 percent of all U.S. cable subscribers. CAB is dedicated to working with advertisers and agencies to increase the effectiveness of their media.

Contact:
Fred Pfaff at Fred Pfaff Inc.
212-572-8353/917-902-6883
[email protected]