Charles C. Hewitt

Charles C. Hewitt has over 27 years experience in the aerospace industry where he developed programs in marketing, distribution, training, and legislative and regulatory affairs. Mr. Hewitt has created several national entities to represent various industry interests to the public and on Capitol Hill. He retired in 2001 after 18 years as head of the U.S. Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA).

Related Topics:
Capitol Hill - U.S. Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association

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In 1984, Mr. Hewitt became the first head of the Society for Private And Commercial Earth stations (SPACE) representing manufactures and retailers of home satellite systems. In December of 1986, he merged the association with the Direct Broadcast Systems Association to form the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association. In 1988, Mr. Hewitt led the successful passage of the Satellite Home Viewers Act, an act that provided the right for consumers to receive distant signals. In 1992, he was instrumental in adding an amendment to the 1992 Cable Act that guaranteed satellite providers fair access, price, terms, and conditions to programming.

Related Topics:
Society for Private And Commercial Earth stations - Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association - Satellite Home Viewers Act

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Mr. Hewitt was pivotal in the 1995 FCC decision to preempt local zoning and covenants that attempted to bar or restrict the use of satellite dishes. In 1996, he successfully led the battle that resulted in the passage of the preemption against local taxes on satellite programming, and in 1999, he led the effort that resulted in the passage of the Satellite Home Viewers and Improvement Act that among other things allowed DBS operators to carry local signals.

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In 1994, Mr. Hewitt launched SkyResearch, which resulted in the collection of U.S. satellite subscribers data and the development of programs such as annual market research report to the industry, a monthly market and data publication, a daily news e-mail ?SkyReport?, and a twice annually financial event called SkyForum.

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Mr. Hewitt has won numerous awards including: 1977 Wernher Von Braun recognition for ?his outstanding work in the development of the National Space Institute?; in 1989 SBCA?s ?Outstanding Contributions? award; named ?5th Estater? by Broadcasting and Cable magazine in 1991; in 1992 the Association Mexicana De La Industria De La Television Via Satellite, A.C. award for building relations with the Mexican satellite industry; in 1995 he received an DBS Inny ?Special Recognition? for legislative activities and in 1998 a DBS Inny for ?Executive of the year?; in 1998, the SBCA Retail Council award for legislative accomplishments; and in 1999, Satellite Business News readers named Chuck one of the top three satellite executives in the satellite industry. In 1999 Washingtonian magazine named Mr. Hewitt as one of the top 50 most influential association Presidents of over eight thousand associations in the country.

Related Topics:
Wernher Von Braun - National Space Institute - Broadcasting and Cable magazine

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Mr. Hewitt graduated with an AB and Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas.

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