Exhibit 99.1
Citizens Communications
3 High Ridge Park
Stamford, CT 06905
203.614.5600
Web site: www.czn.net
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Michael Bromley
Investor Relations
Corporate Communications
203.614.5218
mbromley@czn.com
FORMER FCC COMMISSIONER KATHLEEN ABERNATHY APPOINTED TO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY
Stamford, Conn., April 10, 2006 - Former FCC Commissioner Kathleen Quinn
Abernathy has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Citizens
Communications Company (NYSE: CZN), the company announced today. Ms. Abernathy
is a partner in the communications and information technology practice in the
Washington, DC office of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. She advises clients
on a wide variety of policy and regulatory issues related to the
telecommunications and media fields and represents clients at both the federal
and state levels as well as before various international and foreign regulatory
agencies.
Immediately prior to joining Akin Gump, Ms. Abernathy served as a commissioner
at the Federal Communications Commission. Nominated by President George W. Bush
and confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate to a four-year term in 2001, she
was responsible for representing the public interest in each of the policy areas
under the FCC's jurisdiction, including wireless; domestic and international
telecommunications; satellite; broadcast; cable; communications equipment
manufacturers; and broadband, IP and other advanced communications technologies.
She was intimately involved in developing and implementing domestic policy in
each of these fields.
In addition, Ms. Abernathy chaired the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal
Service and participated in numerous international bilateral and multilateral
negotiations, including the 2002 International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Plenipotentiary Conference and the 2003 ITU World Radiocommunications
Conference. She was appointed by the ITU to chair the 2004 ITU Global Symposium
for Regulators.
"We are very pleased that Kathleen is joining our Board of Directors," said
Maggie Wilderotter, Chairman and CEO. "She has distinguished herself within the
communications industry and brings a strong knowledge of all aspects of
communications to our company. She will be an enormous source of advice, counsel
and expertise to Citizens Communications as it continues to evolve its
operations, products and services. In addition, her knowledge of regulatory
interests at all levels of state and federal government will be extremely
beneficial to us as communications reforms continue."
Before joining the FCC as a commissioner, Ms. Abernathy served as vice
president, public policy at BroadBand Office Communications, as vice president,
regulatory affairs at US West and as vice president, federal regulatory at
AirTouch Communications (a predecessor company to Verizon Wireless). Earlier in
her career, she served as a legal advisor to two FCC commissioners and as a
special assistant to the agency's general counsel.
Ms. Abernathy has been honored by several organizations for her professional
achievements. She received the Forerunner Accolade in 2002 from Women in Cable
and Telecommunications for her commitment to encouraging, developing and
promoting women in the industry, and the Milestone Award in 2001 from Catholic
University's Columbus School of Law for her exemplary service to the law school
and outstanding achievement in the field of communications law. In addition, she
was named one of the most powerful women in television by Electronic Media
magazine.
Ms. Abernathy received her B.A. magna cum laude from Marquette University and
her J.D. from Catholic University's Columbus School of Law.
About Citizens Communications Company
Citizens Communications Company (NYSE: CZN), is a full-service communications
provider and one of the largest local exchange telephone companies in the
country. Under the Frontier brand name, the company offers telephone, television
and Internet services, as well as bundled offerings, ESPN360 streaming video,
security solutions and specialized bundles for small businesses and home
offices. Additional information about Frontier's products and services is
available at www.frontier.myway.com and www.frontieronline.com. For more
information about Citizens Communications, visit www.czn.net.
This document contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
expressed or implied in the statements. These and all forward-looking statements
(including oral representations) are only predictions or statements of current
plans that are constantly under review by the company. All forward-looking
statements may differ from actual results. The foregoing information should be
read in conjunction with the company's filings with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission including, but not limited to, reports on Forms 10-K and
10-Q. The company does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking
statements to reflect the occurrence of future events or circumstances.
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