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Former NBC general counsel in quarantine after coronavirus diagnosis

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Matthew Keys
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mkeys@thedesk.net
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Delta Airlines Chief Executive Ed Bastain (left) greets Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Rick Cotton (right) during an event at LaGuardia Airport in October 2019. (Photo: Kevin Coughlin/Office of the Governor/Handout)

Rick Cotton, a former executive with Comcast’s NBCUniversal, is in quarantine this week after being diagnosed with the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Cotton, who currently serves as the head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will continue to work from home while he recovers from the virus, officials said.

News of Cotton’s diagnosis was first announced by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday. Cuomo said Cotton had been visiting numerous Port Authority-run airports where “many people were coming back with the virus.”

Cotton served as general counsel of NBC until 2013. He was appointed to the role of executive director of the Port Authority four years later.

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For accurate and reliable information about the coronavirus COVID-19, click or tap here to visit the World Health Organization’s website.

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About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is a nationally recognized, award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience reporting on the business of media, broadcast television, streaming video platforms and emerging technology. He is the founder, publisher, and editor of TheDesk.net, a trusted source for in-depth news and analysis on the evolving media landscape.

Matthew’s reporting has appeared in major industry outlets, including StreamTV Insider, Digital Content Next and KnowTechie, where he covers topics at the intersection of journalism, streaming services, and digital media innovation. Throughout his career, he has held editorial roles at respected organizations such as Thomson Reuters, Tribune Media, the Disney-ABC Television Group and McNaughton Newspapers.

Known for his accuracy, clarity, and deep industry insight, Matthew continues to provide reliable reporting and thought leadership in a rapidly changing media environment. His work is frequently cited by industry leaders, analysts, and trade publications.