Cablefax The Magazine - August 2021 - 14

OPERATIONS LEADERS
9. GO FOR THE GOLD
Bill Morrow | CEO
DirecTV
Years in Media & Broadband: 40
Education: AA, Electrical Engineering, Cogswell College; BS,
Business Administration, National University
My personal superpower is: The ability to connect with
people from all walks of life
As AT&T works to spin DirecTV, AT&T TV and U-Verse into a new
company with TPG, Morrow will try to spin straw into gold. He's got
his work cut out for him, with multiple opinions out there on how he
should manage the business. One prevailing thought is to try and
merge it with DISH TV. Another theory is that the spinoff will allow
the video unit to build " New DirecTV " without being restricted by
the mothership. Does he have the Midas touch to make DirecTV a
must-have for consumers? We aren't sure, but it should be interesting
to see how the company changes under the new structure.
He has plenty of experience to draw upon from his time as CEO of
Vodafone Hutchison Australia, Vodafone Europe and Clearwire as he
creates DirecTV 2.0.
MY PREDICTION FOR THE FUTURE OF REGIONAL
SPORTS NETWORKS: As the leader in offering regional sports
networks to streaming customers, we recognize local sports create a
powerful and emotional connection with fans. We expect the ecosystem
to continue to rapidly evolve, giving consumers more options and
opportunities to cheer on local teams at home or on the go.
WHAT HABIT ARE YOU KEEPING POST-PANDEMIC?
Virtual cocktail hour with distant friends and family.
MY COMFORT TV BINGE? " Friends "
YOUR PANDEMIC THEME SONG? " Cheers " - Making your
way in the world today takes everything you've got.
LAST PODCAST LISTENED TO: " The Streaming Wars " ■
10. SILVER ANNIVERSARY
Erik Carlson | President & CEO
DISH Network
Years in Media & Broadband: 25 years
Education: Bradley University
My personal superpower is: My wife... my rock, and for too
many reasons to list!
Last August, Carlson celebrated 25 years at DISH-half his life.
He joined as a sales account executive in Chicago, and his tenacity
has led him all the way to the top. Earning the respect of Charlie
Ergen is in itself a top-of-the-resume accomplishment. As the exec
in charge of all aspects of DISH TV and Sling TV, he's letting DISH's
5G network take the spotlight these days. But it's Carlson keeping
the pay TV business chugging along-an important feat given it is
what's bringing in the cash to fund the wireless future. Carlson &
Co know their sweet spot is rural America and over the years, as
satellite losses mounted, they've found ways to cater to the stickiest
of subs. And he's done that while keeping a close eye on the bottom
line-ask any programmer.
IF YOU COULD HOST A CLUBHOUSE CHAT WITH
ANYONE, WHO WOULD IT BE? Winston Churchill over dinner.
HOW MANY TIKTOK DANCES HAVE YOU LEARNED?
One, likely enough!
WHAT'S YOUR COVID VACCINE SLOGAN? Just do it!
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS
SUMMER? Family travel.
LAST PODCAST LISTENED TO: " How I Built This "
FAVORITE MASK? N95 with Discovery Shark Week mask. ■
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August 2021
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Cablefax The Magazine - August 2021

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