Cablefax The Magazine - May 2015 - 38

53. SEARCH &
RECRUIT
Ann Carlsen
Title: Founder/CEO,
Carlsen Resources
Years in Cable: 35
Education:
Journalism,
University of Colorado
With 25 years of experience
at her gig, Carlsen's
an ace at senior-level
recruiting for media companies
(We're guessing
she placed more than half
the folks in this magazine
at some point). One
recent example of Ann's handiwork was Rich Ross at Discovery Channel,
a net that's already showing ratings achievements. Importantly, her accomplishments
bleed beyond boasting an incredible work ethic. Carlsen is a
passionate role model for young women in the business and mentors young
executives in the art of recruiting, all the while embracing newer, online
tools within the business and expanding her reach beyond cable and into
the digital and international markets.
Should the industry embrace or reject " virtual MSOs " and why? I
54. FLAMA TIME
Tonia O'Connor
Title: President, Content Distribution and
Corporate Business Development, Univision Inc.
Years in Cable: 20
Education: BA, Broadcast Journalism and Political Science,
S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: You only deserve what you earn.
With O'Connor on the case, both UCI's traditional linear TV business and its
extension across digital platforms continue to flourish, with TV Everywhere
multiplying across the MVPD universe as well as an array of connected
devices. She led the 2014 launch of Flama, the bicultural OTT video network
for 15-30-year-olds and the company's first online-only video service,
which already launched more than 20 original series, and successfully led
negotiations with Comcast for a multiyear distribution deal for Univision
Deportes Network. This year O'Connor is focusing on several developments,
including working with other Univision leaders to coordinate joint initiatives,
develop new programs and provide a more effective alliance with potential
outside partners.
I watch most programming on this device:
The old school, big screen. Love it.
The biggest innovation in cable over the last year: Cablevision's WiFi
phone, Freewheel. Can't wait for my cable operator to do the same.
Should the industry embrace or reject " virtual MSOs " and why? First
there was cable, then DBS, then telcos and now Virtual MSOs. Consumers
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May 2015
Cablefax: The Magazine
don't believe that resisting change is in anyone's best interest. And I believe
strongly that, just as the market fueled the birth of this industry, the market
will determine what it looks like in the foreseeable future. The key is for the
Industry to be that future; but test the waters with an open mind, before
diving in headfirst.
If I had a show on YouTube it would be called... " You Want it When? "
I wish Congress would just... play nice.
Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat? I'm not sure, but-seriously-can
the collective attention span of the next generation of consumers get
any shorter?
If Disney hired me to reboot " Star Wars " I would... have Han Solo and
Princess Leia switch genders.
Favorite Cable Show memory: Not sure I have one specific memory that
stands above all the others, but in the early days... the wild parties and the risks
taken by entrepreneurs was so energizing. I'll never forget going to the Cable
Show each year, walking the exhibit floor and finding myself blown away by all
the wildly imaginative (and at the time, daring) programming ideas.
The awards show the industry needs right now is... The Jobbies; an
award show for those with most jobs in cable, with categories for most diverse,
fastest riser, biggest riser, fastest fall from grace, greatest comeback,
and most unlikely career about-face.
Favorite vacation spot: British Virgin Isles
Who's on deck for the next celebrity meltdown? Can't say for
certain, but my sense is whoever it is will probably make his or her
living in politics.
The last time I had a good laugh was... I have had a good laugh every
day! Seriously... and it's usually about something I have done.
My favorite business/motivational book: Get Out of Your Own Way ■
come in many shapes and sizes. Why wouldn't we want to have a spectrum
of services that meets the needs of all?
Apple iWatch or Rolex? The Apple iWatch with 18 carat gold case and
midnight blue band = dreamy.
Favorite vacation spot: Mi casa en Maine. ■
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