Cablefax The Magazine May 2022 - 55

A SPECTRUM OF NEWS
43
David Ellen
Senior EVP
Charter Communications
Years at Current Organization: 6
First Job in the Industry: FCC
Ellen's had a newsworthy year. In 2021, under
his oversight, Spectrum News averaged
more than 2.6 million viewing households
per month across its linear and digital
platforms and launched digital newsrooms
in Hawaii and Maine. Also under Ellen's
purview: Spectrum Originals. Last year's
lineup included the critically acclaimed
" Joe Pickett, " Season 2 of " Temple, " and
the satirical drama " The Bite. " Ellen is a
strong believer in Charter's philanthropic
endeavors, like Spectrum Community Assist,
a $30 million, five-year initiative to revitalize
more than 100 community centers
in rural and urban areas and to provide job
training to underserved communities.
Q&A
What will it take to see a seismic shift away from linear television for
sports? You mean " live " sports? As long as people are fans of sport,
they will want to watch it live. And live sports is still the glue that holds
the traditional pay TV bundle together and that's not to going change
anytime soon. Too many major media companies' business models
depend on it.
The phrase " digital divide " will go away when... When the main causes of that divide-
affordability for low-income households, availability for rural households, and adoption-
are fully addressed. Partnerships between local, state and federal governments, nonprofit
community organizations, and experienced and willing connectivity providers like
Charter are making a difference. For example, Charter's rural construction initiative,
pairing our dollars with targeted governmental subsidies, will bring broadband to 1
million currently unserved rural homes and businesses. And Charter offerings like
Spectrum Internet Assist, and federal programs like EBB and now ACP, are helping more
low-income households afford broadband. Finally, Charter philanthropic initiatives like
Spectrum Community Assist and Spectrum Digital Education Grants provide support
for local community organizations in their efforts to increase broadband education and
adoption. We're making great progress. ■
43
Q&A
ACE OF SPADES
Christina Spade
COO & CFO
AMC Networks
Years at Current Organization: 1
First Job in the Industry: Managed a movie theater in college
Bucket List: Travel, celebrate life in any way, learn to play the piano
Spade made history by becoming AMC Networks' first female executive officer as she leads
a team that supports the technological needs of the global organization. On the financial side,
net revenue increased 9% to $3.1 billion in 2021 compared to the prior year, and Spade was
a key player at the negotiating table for AMC's eventual acquisition of Sentai Holdings. Her
team created a centralized digital operation connecting standalone systems across media
management, which allowed AMC to bring content to more than 100 new platforms.
What's your Wordle strategy? Start with a different word every day
Boredom buster? Episodes of " The Walking Dead "
What childhood memento have you kept? Language arts workbooks from high school-emphasized creative adventure and
the opening of the arts to me.
Favorite dish that I can also make myself: Spaghetti Carbonara ■
cablefaxmag.com
May 2022
TOP POWER
PLAYERS
55

http://www.cablefaxmag.com

Cablefax The Magazine May 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cablefax The Magazine May 2022