'Multichannel News' Names Charter Communications Operator of the Year

Multichannel News announced today that its 2012 Operator of the Year is Charter Communications.

Each year, the editors of the magazine honor a single multichannel TV provider/operator based on several categories, including customer service, stock price, technological innovation, financial performance and industry leadership.

With its stock up more than 60% over the past 12 months, a new management team headed by a seasoned veteran -- former Cablevision Systems executive Tom Rutledge -- and an aggressive new stance in attracting subscribers, the St., Louis-based MSO has quickly shed the mantle of a debt-laden, low-growth MSO, and is earning a reputation as one of the savviest operators.

Charter already has had some early success -- it added 20,000 basic video customers in the first quarter, the first positive growth in that measure in five years -- and has realigned its product packages and offerings, meanwhile renewing its focus on attracting data-only customers.

But its greatest value lies In what could be -- at 34% video penetration and low exposure to telco competition, Charter has more basic-subscriber growth runway than any other cable operator. 

On Sept. 24, Multichannel News will feature Charter as the 2012 Operator of the Year in a special report that details how the MSO has undergone a transformation over the past year.