Cablefax The Magazine - November 2016 - 6

Most Powerful Women in Cable 2016: The Top 50
1. Bonnie Hammer
Chairman
NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment
Here's why she's first: Hammer's
portfolio of 10 cable networks, as well
as production entities Universal Cable
Productions and Wilshire Studios,
were the largest profit contributors
to NBCU's bottom line out of all its
company divisions-a reported $2.8 billion in 2015. And as
traditional linear TV continues to be disrupted, Hammer is
evolving the business model by owning content, across streaming
services and beyond. Examples of her strategic chops: The
number of originals in 2015 under her purview totaled 137, and
USA Network breakout series " Mr. Robot " earned two Emmys,
a Peabody, two Golden Globes and more. This past year's
exclusive deal for U.S. cable and broadcast rights to the Harry
Potter and upcoming Fantastic Beasts films in J.K. Rowling's
Wizarding World franchise, the largest movie acquisition in
NBCU history, will see all eight films air on USA Network and
Syfy starting in 2018. If she could give advice to her college-age
self, she'd say to enjoy life more. " Be authentic and be open
to all possibilities, without locking yourself into a pre-ordained
notion about the 'right' thing to do. It's the only way to find your
passion-and to be truly happy. "
2. Jill Campbell
EVP & COO
Cox Communications
Her constant focus on delivering
cutting-edge technology that's both
user-friendly and reliable has served
Campbell, and her customers, well. It
also puts Cox's 2016 goal of crossing
the $2 billion revenue mark within
reach. Under her leadership, the latest Contour video service
is now in all markets, residential Gigabit service is available in
12 states, and Cox's digital video transition will be completed
by year's end. Campbell says broadband is the industry's biggest
story right now. " People and businesses are more connected
than ever and they need the horsepower that cable
delivers better than anyone. " She also takes pride in being a
female in the upper echelon of the industry, noting, " One of
the reasons I love my role is that I know it encourages rising
women leaders. "
3. Nancy Dubuc
President & CEO
A+E Networks
Dubuc continues to expand the depth
and reach of A+E Networks' brands
with savvy strategic investments and
bold vision that reflect both in programming
and distribution models.
She's building on another lofty year.
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Under Dubuc's leadership Viceland made a successful debut
and continues to build its millennial audience domestically and
abroad. She also increased the equity stake in production
house Propagate Content, invested in live-event VR company
Voke, and took an ownership stake in the digital cooking brand
Panna. A+E Studios is off and running with hit series " UnReal "
on Lifetime, and original drama series " Six " and " Knightfall " are
in the works for History. Also at Dubuc's direction, A+E Nets
recently expanded into the live performance space, bringing
Lifetime brand Bring It! out on a multicity tour. She sets a high
bar not only for A+E, but for gender equality in the cable industry.
" As one of the only female chief executive officers in the
cable industry, I know we can do better, " she says.
4. Kathleen Finch
Chief Programming, Content & Brand
Officer
Scripps Networks Interactive
Finch was named the 2016 WICT
Woman of the Year-and with good
reason. Since being elevated to
her role in August 2015, household
primetime ratings have risen at all
six Scripps networks. Among highlights, Q3 and September
2016 were HGTV's highest-rated ever in primetime among
A25-54, and Travel Channel's 3Q saw its fourth consecutive
quarter of year-to-year primetime ratings growth among its
11th consecutive month of year-over-year primetime growth
among W25-54. " The content creation side of the industry
does a pretty good job with gender equality, " she says. " I've
always thought that was partially due to the fact that women
make up the majority of TV viewers, so it makes sense that
women are good at making TV programming that women
want to watch. "
5. Rita Tuzon
EVP & General Counsel
Fox Networks Group
Tuzon is so proficient at what she
does she could probably win in court
against Annalise Keating. While terms
were not disclosed, Fox and DISH
settled their dispute over the satcaster's
AutoHop service. In a joint
statement, the companies said that the commercial skipping
feature would not be available for Fox stations until seven
days after a program airs. Another Tuzon victory was successfully
leading Fox's case against Aereo, the highly controversial
TV streaming startup which subsequently filed for bankruptcy
and ultimately shut down. These examples show why Tuzon
has helped Fox maintain is leadership within the television
industry. In addition to her tremendous legal abilities and
negotiating skills, Tuzon is well-known for her desire and ability
to mentor-not only her staff, but also bright young people
who come from economically challenged backgrounds.
November 2016
Cablefax: The Magazine
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Cablefax The Magazine - November 2016

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