Cablefax The Magazine - December 2011 - 25

29 BATTERING RAMS
Sean Bratches
Title: EVP, ESPN
Years in Cable: 24
Education: Rochester Institute of
Technology
David Preschlack
Title: EVP, Affiliate Sales &
Marketing, Disney & ESPN Media
Networks Group
Years in Cable: 16
Education: BA, Denison University
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less:
Focus on what's right, not who's
right (from my Dad).
Why Them? Team superstars
Bratches and Preschlack continue
to broker deals that add value to
ESPN's ever-expanding posse of TV,
radio, online, broadband, publishing,
wireless, consumer products, event
management, restaurants, games
and branded products. Now a year
into its landmark deal with TWC for
authenticated networks for ESPN,
ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN 3.com,
30 | THE INSIDERS
David L. Cohen
Title: EVP, Comcast Corp.
Years in Cable: 7.5
Education: BA, Swarthmore College; JD, U of Pennsylvania
Kyle McSlarrow
Title: President, Comcast/NBCU, Washington, D.C.
Years in Cable: 7
Education: BA, Cornell; JD, U of Virginia
Why Them? The merger may be Comcast history, but there's no shortage of regulatory hot buttons on the agenda, ensuring
Comcast's need for a strong presence in Washington. Cohen, who played a major role in guiding approval for the NBCU
purchase, oversees the MSO's regulatory affairs and is working to redefine the perception of Comcast inside the beltway.
After serving as NCTA president for six years, top cable lobbyist McSlarrow has been invaluable when it comes to discussions
surrounding net neutrality and Internet access. But he has also taken a larger operational role at the MSO.
Essential Business: Cohen helms the Internet Essentials broadband adoption program, which aims to help close the digital
divide including a low-cost Internet service tier and a low-cost computer, as well as free digital literacy training.
Year Ahead:
With an election year looming and several key policy balls in the air, these two are in for an active year. ◆
CableFAX: The Magazine
December 2011
cablefaxmag.com
25
black tea lemonade unsweetened
(i.e. Arnold Palmer)
Acts I would see live: If I could,
Led Zeppelin
Favorite business and/or motivational
book: Green Eggs & Ham,
Dr. Seuss
YOUNG AND INNOCENT: Or maybe just younger. Sean Bratches (left)
and David Preschlack (right) join Jim Rome in their best GQ pose.
the pact also includes new nets
ESPN Buzzer Beater and ESPN Goal
Line. ESPN's first-ever live streaming
networks launched in October
via the WatchESPN app, providing
smartphone and tablet access. Add
to that the fall intro of the 24/7
Longhorn Network, dedicated to the
University of Texas, with 200-plus
sporting annual events, original
series, studio shows, historical and
academic programming.
Year Ahead: Bratches and
Preschlack continue to bat home
run sales & marketing initiatives that
have made ESPN a technology cable
vanguard. Surveys of cable operators
in 2011 by Beta Research Corp.
ranked ESPN and ESPN2 the top
two ad-supported nets in perceived
value.
Sean Bratches
Biggest innovation in cable
over the last year: The reality
of being able to watch a live,
24/7 cable network on my iPad or
iPhone, like ESPN
Favorite Starbucks order: Vente
When I look at my cable set-top
box, I can't help but think: If programmers
and operators work more
closely together, there could be
even more opportunities to deliver
compelling content to consumers.
David Preschlack
Biggest innovation in cable
over the last year: Portability via
authentication. It is a key driver
in our business right now and is
where the business is going in the
future.
Favorite " going out " town: Sweet
home Chicago
Favorite sports team: Chicago
Cubs
Favorite vacation spot: Nantucket
How many companies have you
worked for since college? 1: I'm
a lifer. ◆

http://www.cablefaxmag.com

Cablefax The Magazine - December 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cablefax The Magazine - December 2011