Voices That Matter
Tracking the Trusted Journalists Helping Shape the Broadband Conversation
As the broadband industry continues to grow in complexity and importance, especially in light of new infrastructure investments and expanding policy conversations, so too does the need for trusted, insightful reporting. In this special column, I’m highlighting three journalists whose work offers real value to those shaping, funding, or regulating broadband’s future. Whether you’re advising on policy, overseeing deployment, or working to close the digital divide, these are voices worth following. As our Broadband Library readership expands, particularly among members of Congress and their staff, we encourage you to also follow these trusted sources.
- Jeff Baumgartner – Light Reading
Jeff Baumgartner is Senior Editor at Light Reading, where he delivers sharp reporting on broadband infrastructure, DOCSIS®, fiber, and cable sector innovations. Whether breaking down the next evolution in network upgrades or tracking operator strategies, his work helps readers stay ahead of technical change.
Recent coverage includes Mediacom’s multi-gig network upgrades, Charter’s DOCSIS 4.0 rollout, and M&A activity like CommScope’s $10.5B unit divestiture. His articles are must-reads for anyone overseeing legislation or policy around telecom infrastructure or broadband deployment.
Why follow Jeff: For policymakers focused on the technical side of broadband funding, infrastructure, and upgrades, he’s the most precise and consistent voice.
- Amy Maclean – CableFAX
Amy Maclean serves as Editorial Director at CableFAX, providing an industry-wide perspective on regulation, corporate developments, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic trends. She leads coverage on the business and policy angles of broadband, and her columns often help decode complex industry shifts for general and insider audiences alike. She’s recently explored FCC merger decisions, retransmission reform, and executive leadership transitions, all within the broader media-tech landscape.
Why follow Amy: Amy brings clarity to the business, legislative, and leadership decisions shaping broadband. Her insights help readers see the full strategic picture.
- Tommy Clift – Broadband Nation / Fierce Network
Tommy Clift is the Editorial Content Manager at Broadband Nation and a contributor at Fierce Network. His reporting centers on rural broadband, workforce development, and equity. From tower tech labor issues to the evolution of the “toolbelt generation,” he humanizes the broadband buildout story. His recent op-eds challenge the industry to maintain focus on equity and diversity, especially in workforce training and infrastructure deployments, and he frequently spotlights how BEAD funding and tech education initiatives are playing out in underrepresented communities.
Why follow Tommy: No one is more tapped into the rural and skills-based broadband movement. His reporting connects policy, people, and place.
In summary
These three journalists represent the essential edges of the broadband story: technology, industry, and community. Following them is one of the smartest ways to stay informed as policy, funding, and infrastructure buildouts continue shaping the future of connectivity.
Kimberly Maki,
Strategic Advisor,
Broadband Library
Kimberly Maki is a seasoned executive and veteran communicator of technology with over 35 years in cable, broadband, and ICT. Kimberly has built her career around translating complex technologies into strategic communications, high-impact member engagement, and record-setting events across five continents. She served as Corporate Vice President/Chief Communications Executive at Bright House Networks, Vice President of Public Affairs at Time Warner Cable, and Executive Director of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. She also held Vice President roles at SCTE and BICSI. Earlier in her career, she served as Director of Public Affairs for a statewide cable association and as an account manager and published author at a public policy think tank, advancing legislative understanding of cable technology through strategic communications and technical advocacy. As CEO of Influential Voices, she now leads strategic growth initiatives for technology and member-driven associations worldwide.
