Cablefax The Magazine - March 2015 - 18

KPI is smiles on faces, " he says. " At the risk of oversimplifying,
how many people did we reach and how much
did they enjoy it? On the digital side, we don't have a
tool to measure smiles, but engagement, time spent and
sentiment serve as a solid proxy. "
Erik Flannigan
EVP Multiplatform Strategy and
Development
Viacom Entertainment Group
Viacom's newly melded Music & Entertainment
Group will no doubt add
to Flannigan's already heaping plate,
a challenge he's more than up for. A
key driver of networks including Comedy Central and
SpikeTV's distribution to and original content development
for digital screens, he leads product and platform strategy
for the brands and their associated shows across mobile
screens, apps, O&O websites, social media and third-party
platforms. Flannigan also oversees the group's overall digital
business, including its growing digital ad sales sector.
Content licensing revenues, direct-to-consumer transactions
and new growth opportunities.
Kristin Frank
EVP
Viacom Music & Logo Group's
Connected Content Group
After 20 years in the industry, Frank is
a pro at navigating emerging markets.
Her leadership in expanding the social
presence of MTV, VH1, CMT and Logo
TV is paying off in spades, notably for MTV's Always On
initiative to increase nonlinear viewing-which helped
propel worldwide traffi c to MTV Digital 84 percent since
its launch last April. " Antiquated measurements aren't accurately
refl ecting how fans are consuming media, " she
says. " We need to continue to unite and collectively push
for and develop stronger measurement tools. "
Mark Garner
SVP, Distribution, Marketing and
Business Development
A+E Networks
Garner oversees all of A+E Network's
nonlinear distribution and digital
platforms, a realm that just continues
to widen. The company's own TV
Everywhere initiative is an industry pace setter, as is the
inclusion of its networks apps-including A&E, Lifetime
and History-in a growing number of distributors' TVE
offerings. Also under his purview-OTT platforms, plus
A+E Net's swelling e-commerce initiatives and its social
media tie-ins. As well as evolving distribution models
for the company's core networks, Garner is also setting
the strategy of newer brands including Lifetime Movie
Network, H2 and Bio.
Robert Gessner
President
MCTV
As chairman of the American Cable
Association, Gessner educates policymakers
on issues vital to the independent
cable community. And while he's
well known as a bit of a techie who has
helped spearhead technology efforts around TV Everywhere
and other initiatives, you might be surprised that
he describes himself as " linear and analog, " arguing that
" the most important thing the industry can do in 2015 is
improve customer service. To me, that is a holistic concept.
We need to fi nd ways to improve our human contact
but also the reliability of our systems in general, as well as
packages that better serve the consumer. "
Rebecca Glashow
SVP, Digital Distribution
& Partnerships
Discovery Communications
Glashow has expanded the digital presence
of all Discovery's U.S. networks
by striking advantageous broadband
and mobile content deals. " Audience
behaviors are changing at breakneck speed, and we have
the challenge and opportunity to meet our audiences with
proven and new content across a variety of platforms, "
she says. While she prefers watching TV at home with her
family, she says her own viewing habits have changed.
" On the go, I love having content available on my iPad-
especially when traveling with kids! "
Greg Hickman
Senior Director, Communications
& Interactive Media
WICT
Hickman took his cues for the WICT
website redesign from market research
and Google Analytics, making sure
the new site used responsive design
to make it compatible with various browsers and devices.
A wise move, since post-launch data indicated a
112 percent increase in mobile phone access. He's also
increased visibility of WICT chapters and national events
through innovative social media strategies. " TV and cable
are at the forefront of technological developments, and
great things are in store for those of us who appreciate
and use technology every day, " he says.
18
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March 2015
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