Cablefax The Magazine May 2023 - 26

DIRECT FIRE
RIDING HIGH
15
Bill Morrow
CEO
DirecTV
When DirecTV separated
from AT&T, there were
a lot of questions about
how it would operate.
Morrow has answered
many of them, creating
a company that's future-focused.
Not only
has it leaned heavily into
vMVPD DirecTV STREAM,
but it's taken an innovative
approach to the new
world of video. Under
Morrow's guidance, DirecTV has negotiated deals
that have it giving customers back money when
they subscribe to a streamer like Discovery+ or
Paramount+ through their platform. He's also
made it clear that DirecTV won't roll over on deep
programming increases-as evidenced by its spat
with Newsmax and its lawsuit against Nexstar over
sidecar arrangements. ●
DEEP DISH
Erik Carlson
President & CEO
DISH Network
HOMETOWN: Hinsdale, IL
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: Chicago Blackhawks
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE 30 SECONDS IN AN
ELEVATOR WITH? Bobby Bowden
Q&A
One thing we've learned over the years is to never take an eye off DISH.
Under Carlson's leadership, the company led the way in dropping
regional sports networks, and the future of the RSN model is currently
under fierce debate as we write. Carlson & company are also holding
a hard line with broadcasters. Cox Media stations in nine markets have
been dark on DISH since November with no sign at press time of a
return. DISH has also been vocal in concerns over the proposed Standard
General-TEGNA transaction, arguing that Cox Media owner Apollo's
involvement could result in increased retransmission consent costs. And
that's just one part of Carlson's job. He's also busy making sure DISH is
on track with its 5G network construction, building up its Boost business
and bouncing back from a cyberattack in late February. ●
WHERE DO YOU WORK MOST
FREQUENTLY-HOME, OFFICE,
ROAD? D, All of the Above
MY BEST IDEAS COME... with
weekend morning coffee.
MY BIGGEST IRRATIONAL
PHOBIA: Spiders
WHICH WEBSITE OR APP
DO YOU VISIT MOST WHEN
PROCRASTINATING? Artifact
FAVORITE PLACE YOU EVER
VISITED: Appian Way
LAST TV SERIES WATCHED:
" Yellowstone "
26
May 2023
Cablefax100.com
16
15
Debra OConnell
President, Networks & Business Operations
Disney Entertainment
Along with overseeing operations for
the company's linear channels and
ABC-owned stations, OConnell
handles content requirements
and budgets for every channel.
That has her working closely
with creative content teams,
while also keeping an eye out
for smart acquisitions and
library content. She has plenty
to celebrate, with ABC finishing
last season as the #1 entertainment
network for the third year in
a row among 18-49s and Disney Jr.
ranking as 2022's #1 network among kids
2-5. Personally, the accolades have been pouring in,
with the Alliance for Women in Media honoring her
last year with its annual Gracies Leadership Award
and Broadcasting + Cable naming her " Broadcaster of
the Year. " ●
http://www.Cablefax100.com
Cablefax The Magazine May 2023

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