Cablefax The Magazine - April 2017 - 44

59. CABLE TIES
Matthew M. Polka
President & CEO
American Cable Association
Years in Cable: 29
Education: BS, Journalism (News-Editorial),
West Virginia University; JD, Duquesne University
School of Law, Pittsburgh
One Word that Best Describes Me: T-E-A-M
Michael Powell
President & CEO
NCTA - The Internet & Television Association
Years in Cable: 6
Education: Degree in Government, William and
Mary; JD, Georgetown University Law Center
Under the new Presidential administration, the
ACA is looking forward to rolling back a lot
of burdensome regulations on small pay-TV/
broadband providers, including: Title II classification,
broadband privacy regulations, and
enhanced transparency regulations. And Polka
can always hope for some retransmission
consent relief. Meanwhile, Powell continues
to represent the communications and content
industries, as he leads one of the largest trade
associations in D.C. He's also guiding the
industry through the changing landscape, with
NCTA scrapping its annual trade show after
65 years and adding " The Internet & Television
Association " to its moniker. All part of adapting
to these modern times.
Polka Q&A
The best thing about fast broadband is...
Our ACA Members are making it available all
over the country, doing their best every day to
60. KNOXVILLE'S MADISON AVENUE
Jon Steinlauf
President, Advertising Sales & Marketing
Scripps Networks Interactive
Years in Cable: 32
Education: Duke University
One Word that Best Describes Me: Respectful
Karen Grinthal
SVP, National Ad Sales
Food Network & Cooking Channel
Years in Cable: 29
Education: Bachelor's, Sarah Lawrence College
Greg Regis
SVP, Ad Sales
Travel Channel & Great American Country
Years in Cable: 20+
Education: BA, St. John's University
One Word that Best Describes Me: Fair
Donna Stephens
SVP, Ad Sales
HGTV & DIY Network
Years in Cable: 32
Education: Christopher Newport University
One Word that Best Describes Me: Competitive
The theme of this year's pitch from Scripps to Upfront media buyers is
" environment matters. " The point this ace sales team is trying to reinforce:
Remember where our audiences are watching-often when they
are in buy-friendly mode. Stephens leads sales efforts across the surging
home category, Grinthal focuses on food, Regis handles the retooled
Travel Channel and the rising Great American Country, and Steinlauf puts
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it all together. At the NY Upfront, Steinlauf rolled out data affirming the
favorable demographics for Scripps. " We are a life stage company, " he
said. " When people are ready to engage in travel, home renovation and
cooking, they become huge fans of ours. "
Steinlauf Q&A
What are the top three qualities you look for in a hire? Character,
good listener, someone who complements my skills.
What product or service could you not live without? Cable TV
How long is your morning commute? 15 minutes since they opened
the Second Avenue subway.
What does the future look like for skinny bundles and flexible packaging?
Better deals for consumers. Growth for channels with the best
value proposition.
Regis Q&A
What inspires you most about this industry? Communication is at the
heart of the human condition, and media has the major seat at the table.
What product or service could you not live without? NBA League
Pass. My sons are athletes, and there is a point most nights where we
spend time together watching multiple games.
What does the future look like for skinny bundles and flexible packaging?
It will grow, but there will have to be a more elegant way for the
consumer to manage the various bundles/offerings.
Stephens Q&A
What qualities do you look for in a hire? I love hiring people that think
outside the box and look at problems/systems/issues from a different
perspective.
Last show I watched not on my networks: " Billions "
Best way to spend a Saturday night: With my family and friends enjoying
a nice meal. Always lots of laughs when we all get together.
New favorite binge: " The Crown " ■
April 2017
Cablefax: The Magazine
close the " Digital Divide. "
If President Trump tweeted about you, he
would say... @MATTatACA is right! #RetransmissionConsent
DOES harm consumers and
needs to be reformed now! (My job will be to
make this happen...both the tweet and the
outcome!)
How long is your morning commute? It's 3540
minutes, but goes in a flash listening to my
favorite podcasts on @DKSportsRadio! ■
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Cablefax The Magazine - April 2017

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