Cablefax The Magazine - November 2017 - 6

Most Powerful Women 2017: The Top 50
1. Bonnie Hammer
Chairman
NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment
Hammer's star continues to rise.
Perhaps the biggest news for the
powerhouse exec is that her recent
NBCU Cable Entertainment contract
renewal means she's on track to
become one of the longest-reigning female television executives
in history. Her portfolio, NBCUniversal's biggest profitmaker,
closed out 2016 with growth in both profit and revenue
for a 13th consecutive year. Hammer's legendary knack for
developing unique business opportunities, and identifying the
best executives to pursue them, led to NBCUniversal's recent
reported $230 million acquisition of Craftsy, one of the crafting
industry's most popular video tutorial and e-commerce websites.
Hammer tells Cablefax she would have loved a chance
to dine with Lucille Ball. " I've always been in awe of her talent
on two fronts... as the hilarious lady I loved as a child and the
first woman to run a major TV studio, " Hammer says.
2. Kathleen Finch
Chief Programming, Content & Brand
Officer
Scripps Networks Interactive
Finch has overseen too many content
initiatives at Scripps during the past
year to name here, many of which
have focused on expanding the reach
of the company's linear brands via digital platforms. Scripps
has been an early content provider for Snapchat and Facebook
Watch, keeping its lifestyle programming as relevant as
ever in 2017. Asked what topic will dominate industry headlines
next year, she says, " The explosion of great and innovative
content, and the multitude of new ways audiences have
to view it. " In the wake of Discovery's acquisition of Scripps,
expect Finch to capitalize on the resulting content synergies.
3. Nancy Dubuc
President & CEO
A+E Networks
Dubuc continues to diversify A+E
Networks' business interests, enabling
strong growth in every sector. She has
stayed ahead of the curve by making
strategic investments in digitally
focused media companies, such as investing in Vice and then
launching Viceland early last year. The edgy, rule-bending network
for millennials is rapidly growing on both the domestic and
international fronts. Dubuc also oversees a variety of nonfiction
game-changers on A&E, including " Leah Remini: Scientology
and the Aftermath. " She is a long-standing supporter of veterans
and military families. If Dubuc could have dinner with anyone, it'd
be Amelia Earhart. " I am so curious to know what really happened
to her. It is one of the great mysteries of history. "
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4. Debra Lee
Chairman & CEO
BET Networks
The past year has been one of great
change for BET, which packed up
its longtime DC headquarters and
headed to NY. It was also a major
shift for Lee, who had spent more
than three decades in the nation's capital. Despite tabloid
rumors about her future with the network, she has remained
focused on growing BET, most recently launching a channel
geared toward African-American women called BET Her. With
Viacom now focused on its " flagship six " networks, expect big
things from Lee and BET in 2018. Her best advice for relieving
stress? " Lots of massages. "
5. Rita Tuzon
EVP & General Counsel
Fox Networks Group
Tuzon is an invaluable contributor to
some of FNG's biggest milestones,
and this past year has been no
exception. She oversaw all aspects of
its legal strategy, including its pending
case against Netflix alleging intentional interference with contractual
relations. She also led negotiations for digital distribution
of Fox Network Group's content on platforms including
Sling, PlayStation Vue, Fubo TV and DirecTV Now. Tuzon
hopes the headlines of 2017 will jumpstart real progress for
women in the entertainment industry to be treated as equals
to and by their male equivalents. " Sexual harassment scandals
will pave the way to an energized push for gender parity
in wages and opportunity in Hollywood... a girl can dream! "
she says.
6. Oprah Winfrey
Chairman, CEO & Chief Creative Officer
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
There's always something-or many
things-new and inspiring coming
from the mind and heart of this dynamic
media mogul. Winfrey's latest
venture is the book " The Wisdom
of Sundays, " based on conversations with the thought-provoking
experts and inspiring writers from OWN's " Super Soul
Sunday. " To launch the book, Winfrey opened her 65-acre
estate in Montecito, Calif, to 250 guests for a gospel brunch.
Proceeds from " The Wisdom of Sundays " will go to worthy organizations
including her Leadership Academy for Girls, which
is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
November 2017
Cablefax: The Magazine
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Cablefax The Magazine - November 2017

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