CABLE POSITIVE RECIEVES NHAP RED RIBBON AWARD FOR COMMUNICATIONS; PAT ESSER OF COX COMMUNICATIONS RECIEVES HONORS FROM AID ATLANTA

NEW YORK, NY — December 5, 2006

Cable Positive, the cable and telecommunication industry’s AIDS action organization, received a Red Ribbon Leadership award for Communications from the National HIV/AIDS Partnership (NHAP).  This award recognizes outstanding leadership in developing and delivering effective HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention communications.  The award was accepted by Thomas Henning, VP of Programs & Services for Cable Positive at a ceremony held on December 1 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C.

“Everyday Cable Positive tries to broaden our reach, make a greater impact, and help build a stronger community in the fight against HIV/AIDS through the power and resources of cable television, “said Thomas Henning, VP of Programs & Services of Cable Positive.  “It was moving to be recognized for those efforts and we were proud to standing along side the other award recipients of the evening, many whom we have admired.”

At a separate awards ceremony a bit further west, Steve Villano was on hand to see cable’s very own Pat Esser of Cox Communications receive the 2006 AID Atlanta Honors award.  This years AID Atlanta Honors recognizes people and organizations that have made significant contributions in the fight against HIV/AIDS over the last quarter century.  The ceremony took place also on December 1, in Atlanta, GA at the Atlanta History Center.    

“AID Atlanta’s selection of Pat Esser of Cox Communications for their National Honors Award couldn’t be more perfect,” said Steve Villano, President & CEO of Cable Positive, who attended the World AIDS Day event in Atlanta along with a number of leaders from Cable Positive’s Atlanta Chapter.  “Pat represents the essence of enlightened corporate leadership and social responsibility.  His involvement with Cable Positive from the very beginning of the Atlanta Chapter, his pledge of $1 million of donated air-time for Cable Positive PSAs and programming, and his passionate commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS through education and awareness, are a model for personal leadership and corporate responsibility.  This country, and the global community, needs more champions like Pat Esser and Cox Communications, if we are to win the battle against HIV/AIDS.”

ABOUT CABLE POSITIVE

Cable Positive is a national non-profit organization founded February 1992 by three concerned cable executives with the mission of organizing cable’s resources in the fight against AIDS.  Cable Positive will mobilize the talents, resources, access and influence of the cable and telecommunications industry to raise HIV/AIDS awareness; support HIV/AIDS education, prevention and care; and strive to end stigma by creating a more compassionate climate for people whose lives have been affected by HIV or AIDS.  Cable Positive has grown to include supporters from every major cable network, multiple system operator, cable system, hardware manufacturer, trade association, media publication, and affiliated industry vendors and suppliers.  Since 1992, Cable Positive has raised more than $16 million in the fight against AIDS.  For more information about Cable Positive, call 212.459.1502 or www.cablepositive.org

ABOUT NHAP

NHAP is a dynamic partnership of America’s most influential, dedicated leaders, representing diverse sectors. NHAP provides a platform for leaders-from business, faith, civic/social organizations, media/entertainment philanthropy and labor-to combine their efforts, link their resources and networks, and create opportunities to raise HIV/AIDS awareness nationwide.

ABOUT AID ATLANTA

Founded in 1982, AID Atlanta is the Southeast’s largest AIDS services organization, sponsoring education programs to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing comprehensive support and services for people living with HIVAIDS. Since their founding over twenty years ago, AID Atlanta has grown to become the leader in the fight against the AIDS epidemic in metro Atlanta. Their mission is to empower HIV positive Georgians to live independent, productive lives, and to deliver world class educational programs that help stop the spread of HIV by reducing at-risk behaviors in targeted populations.