Cablefax The Magazine - November 2011 - 6

Most Powerful Women in Cable 2011: The Top 50
1. Anne Sweeney
President, Disney/ABC
Television Group; Co-chair,
Disney Media Networks, The Walt
Disney Company
The woman behind Disney's
TV machine continues to reign
supreme. In her dual-title role
with Walt Disney Co., Sweeney oversees ABC Studios,
ABC-owned Television Stations Group and the ABC
Television Network. She also oversees Disney Channels
Worldwide, comprising 94 kids-driven entertainment
channels. Additionally, Sweeney's responsibilities
include nets ABC Family and SOAPnet, the company's
equity interest in A&E Television Networks and Disney's
publishing imprint Hyperion. Not enough for one work
week? Sweeney also commandeered Disney/ABC's
integration to iTunes, an ad-supported full-episode online
player and an iPad app.
Women in cable: " There are strong women across our
industry-cable and broadcast-at every level in every
function. Talent is gender-neutral. "
Passion: " Digital technology has removed the limits on
creativity. Whatever the vision is, we can most likely make
it happen on screen, on budget and on time. That opens
up all kinds of new possibilities. "
Motto for success: " Create what's next. "
2. Abbe Raven
President/CEO, A&E Networks
Raven oversees one of the cable's
largest portfolios, comprising 10
brands that include two of the top
five brands in the industry-A&E
and History-and top women's
network Lifetime. Industry analysts
predict A&E Networks is on the verge of surpassing $3
billion in revenue, while it is now seen in 150-plus countries.
She also helms a post on the executive committee
of NCTA and was recently recognized by the White House
for her leadership in mentoring, education and historic
preservation.
Women in cable: " There are more women heading programming
groups than ever before, and on the operations side
we are seeing women moving up the ranks. There is always
room for progress but I am optimistic we are headed
in the right direction. "
Passion: " The cross between the evolution of technology
and the originality of cable programming has made this an
exciting business to work in. "
Challenges: " We need to continue the pace of growth. As a
global media company, we never have time to bask in the
glow of our success, as we are always concerned about
creating and finding the next hit. "
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3. Bonnie Hammer
Chairman, NBCU Cable Entertainment &
Cable Studios
It appears that serving as chairman of
NBCU Cable Entertainment and Cable
Studios wasn't enough to keep Hammer
occupied. In January 2011, she
added executive responsibility for E!
Entertainment, E! Studios and G4 to existing oversight of USA,
Syfy, Chiller, Cloo, Universal HD and Universal Cable Productions.
The previous NBCU Cable Entertainment and Cable
Studios president assumed responsibility for USA Network
in May 2004, adding to her role as Syfy president. In March
2008, she took the reins of the newly created Universal Cable
Productions, and also assumed leadership of Sleuth (now
Cloo), Chiller and Universal HD. Multi-tasking, indeed.
What challenges keep you up at night? " All of them. At the moment,
constantly evolving technology is front and center. While innovation
on virtually a daily basis is exciting, it's a challenge to stay nimble
and adapt in ways that best maximize your core business. "
Career accomplishment: " The creation of incredible teams to
oversee some of the strongest brands in the business. "
Motto: " No is just a word, and it will be the last one only if you
let it be. "
Favorite food: " Pasta... any kind, anytime. "
4. Oprah Winfrey
CEO/Chief Creative Officer, OWN
The name Oprah abets one of the most
renowned media empires in the world;
and now that Winfrey has retired from
her iconic daily TV talkie, the entrepreneur's
attention has turned to network
OWN, which debuted in January 2011 in
80 million homes. In July, Winfrey took over the reins as CEO and
Chief Creative Officer to help develop a mix of original programs,
strips, specials, original documentaries and acquired movies.
Among fall 2011 feats were the favorably received original 90-minute
documentary " 3 Boys & A New Show, " featuring Celine Dion;
and the heralded launch of a new " Rosie (O'Donnell) Show. "
5. Lauren Zalaznick
Chairman, NBCU Entertainment & Digital
Networks and Integrated Media, NBCU
With the January 2011 ComcastNBCU
merger, the former head
of NBCU's Women and Lifestyle
Entertainment networks achieved yet
another career coup, garnering a lofty
new gig as chairman, NBCU Entertainment & Digital Networks
and Integrated Media. In her new role, Zalaznick oversees the
company's expanded media empire, including cable networks
Bravo, Oxygen and Telemundo, as well as digital properties
iVillage, Fandango and Daily Candy. Named one of Fortune
magazine's 50 Most Powerful Women in 2010, her accomNovember
2011
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