By Bill Warga –

Disaster Relief Efforts: Call to Action

As I reflect on my years in this industry, I am continually inspired by the resilience and strength of the people I’ve had the privilege to work with. My current industry roles have given me insight into the heartbreaking stories from field operations teams across the country in response to the recent hurricanes and ongoing wildfires. I’ve witnessed the profound impact these events have had on industry colleagues, coworkers, and personal friends domestically and internationally.

In late 2024, we were confronted with the devastating impacts of hurricanes Helene and Milton. The SCTE Foundation received more than 350 applications from industry employees who found themselves grappling with loss and uncertainty. This support was not just about financial aid; it represented a lifeline for many, allowing them to embark on the challenging journey of rebuilding their lives.

One story that particularly moved me was that of Jeremy, a dedicated industry employee who, despite losing everything, still showed up at work to help provide critical areawide network connectivity to customers who also had lost everything, demonstrating unwavering commitment in the face of adversity. Jeremy’s story is just one among many that highlight both tragedy and heroism during these challenging times.

We’ve supported families who experienced complete home and vehicle losses, helping them to bridge the gap to other support with the essentials to start over. Another case that has particularly stayed with me involved a couple who had just welcomed a new baby, born prematurely and in the NICU. Tragically, they lost everything and were staying with family. We were able to help them secure necessities to welcome the baby home.

In other instances, roofs were completely blown off, leaving families exposed to the elements. Immediate assistance for stop-gap repairs and essentials like food, clothing, and shelter became a top priority, as these families struggled to maintain some semblance of normalcy amidst chaos. In some heartbreaking instances, our support has gone to families mourning the loss of loved ones.

It’s not over yet

Just as we began to see some recovery from these hurricanes, the California wildfires struck, bringing new challenges that required immediate action. The urgency of the situation is undeniable. Many of our industry’s employees are once again facing a crisis. They continue to show up and serve our customers, all while dealing with personal losses and uncertainty of their own. Their resilience is a testament to the human spirit, and it underscores the critical importance of our mission at the SCTE Foundation.

Our Disaster Support Fund is currently open for our industry employees affected by the wildfires, and I urge anyone in critical need to apply for assistance. We are actively fundraising to ensure that we can meet the increasing demand for support. Each contribution we receive reflects our shared commitment to one another, reinforcing the idea that we can lift each other in times of need.

Beyond our disaster relief efforts, the SCTE Foundation invests in the growth and development of our workforce. We offer and continue to build resources to access technical training and professional development, believing that equipping people with the right skills is vital for long-term resilience.

As someone who has stood alongside many of you during both good and challenging times, I can attest to the profound impact that your support can have. When you donate to the SCTE Foundation Disaster Support Fund, 100% of your donation goes directly to help our industry employees in need.

How can you help?

I invite you to consider making a contribution to the Disaster Support Fund at sctefoundation.org. If you or an employee is facing hardship, I encourage you to apply for support through our Disaster Support Fund at sctefoundation.org/grants-and-scholarships/disaster-support-fund.

As we move forward, I am proud to stand with you in this important work. Please join me in this vital mission to ensure that our industry colleagues emerge stronger than ever. Your financial contribution can make a tremendous difference!

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Bill Warga

VP of Strategy & Technology
Liberty Global Inc.

Bill Warga is Vice President of Strategy & Technology at Liberty Global, Inc. His primary responsibilities include research and evaluation of new innovative technologies as they relate to Liberty’s strategic and business objectives. He also advises executive leadership on the competitive landscapes facing our industry. With decades of experience in both the broadcasting and cable industries, Mr. Warga is currently serving in leadership positions across the cable industry’s initiatives and consortiums including: the SCTE Board of Directors, the SCTE Foundation Board, RDK Management LLC, and CableLabs Technical Advisory Committee. He also sits on the boards of SVTA and the Technical Advisory Boards of Rocky Mountain PBS and Light Field Labs as well as various technical advisory boards of Fortune 500 companies. He is also a longtime member of IEEE, SMPTE and the ITU. Bill also chairs the SCTE Engineering Committee. In 2019 he was elected to the Cable TV Pioneers.