The National Cable & Telecommunications Association has issued a nominations request for the 2005 Vanguard Awards, considered one of the industry's highest honors.

NCTA has set a nomination deadline of Jan. 21, 2005. Nomination forms are available on the Web or by calling (202) 775-3669.

NCTA will spotlight the 2005 Vanguard Award winners the night of April 4 at the 2005 National Show in San Francisco.

The Vanguards, inaugurated in 1965, will be awarded in the following categories:

Distinguished Vanguard Award for Leadership (Man)

Distinguished Vanguard Award for Leadership (Woman)

Vanguard Award for Young Leadership

Vanguard Award for Programmers

Vanguard Award for Associates and Affiliates

Vanguard Award for Science and Technology

Vanguard Award for Cable Operations Management

Vanguard Award for Government and Community Relations

Vanguard Award for Marketing.