Cablefax The Magazine - August 2021 - 103

CONTENT LEADERS
89. TAKING A SWING
Steve Raab | President | SNY
Years in Media & Broadband: 22
Education: BA, Brown University; MBA, Harvard Business
School
My personal superpower is: (Almost) Never Get Sick
The shortened 2020 MLB season didn't deter SNY from seeing more
than a 100% increase in the 18-34 demo. SNY also saw an uptick
in ratings for UConn Women's National Championship Basketball
games as well as pre- and post-game coverage. Although Raab and
his team have focused on expanding SNY's digital offerings, the
real priority was launching a new branding campaign this May. With
sports schedules returning to normal, SNY is well positioned for a
strong season.
WHAT HABIT ARE YOU KEEPING
POST-PANDEMIC? Long walks while
listening to podcasts
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU
FLOWN IN THE PAST YEAR? Once
NEW SLANG WORD OR PHRASE
YOU'VE LEARNED? Drip, Try-Hard
(learned both from my kids)
MY COMFORT TV BINGE?
The recent professional wrestling
documentaries on A&E's " Biography. "
LAST PODCAST LISTENED TO:
" SmartLess. " ■
90. DEAL HIM IN
Mark Walker | SVP, Content Business Development & Innovation
ESPN
In the past year, Walker extended ESPN's core competencies into new markets. For 2020, that largely meant sports
betting, esports, technology and music partnerships. He led the comprehensive content partnership with Caesars
and a multi-year agreement with UnitedMasters, using its music to expand ESPN's reach to younger and more
diverse demos and more sports fans via programming and promotional content. ■
91. ON A MISSION
David Leavy | Chief Corporate Operating Officer
Discovery, Inc.
Years in Media & Broadband: 21
Education: BA, Colby College
My personal superpower is: Self-awareness-enough to
know that I don't have any superpower
In line with Discovery's commitment as a purpose-driven company,
under Leavy's guidance this year, several programs were launched
with a mission to make a difference in the world. He led the charge
of RISE and Turn Up! Fight Hunger, Discovery's latest initiatives that
" Power People's Progress " toward a brighter future. Through the
campaign, Discovery helped connect kids with 70.5 million meals in
just the first six weeks of the pandemic. Mission accomplished.
HOW DOES THE COUNTRY NARROW THE DIGITAL
DIVIDE? Strong digital literacy tools, rural broadband deployment
and universal access can and should be
one of the most bipartisan/nonpartisan
issues-hoping funding will be included in
infrastructure legislations.
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC FOREVER
CHANGED PROGRAMMING? It
certainly accelerated the streaming revolution
but also confirmed how central media,
entertainment and storytelling are to our culture,
our communities and our collective experiences.
WHAT'S THE FUTURE OF DIRECTTO-CONSUMER
STREAMING LOOK
LIKE? We see a rich multi-platform entertainment ecosystem with big
theatrical films, linear TV and streaming all satisfying consumer needs,
expectations, and experiences...not one size fits all.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS
SUMMER? Going back to the movies! ■
Cablefax: The Magazine
August 2021
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Cablefax The Magazine - August 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cablefax The Magazine - August 2021