Cablefax The Magazine - September 2012 - 7

The Leaders
4. Henry Ahn
EVP, Content Distribution and Marketing, Scripps Networks Interactive
New York transplant Ahn didn't need to star in an episode of HGTV's " House
Hunters " to learn his way around Knoxville. A year after taking up the key distribution
and marketing mantle at Scripps, he's clearly settled in like a natural. In fact,
the 25-year TV and entertainment industry veteran is leading the key renewals
and distribution deals for Scripps, overseeing the dealmaking process in setting
the distribution strategy for new platforms. Aside from his knack for creating
innovative business and marketing opportunities, Ahn has leaned continually on
his " sound negotiation skills " throughout his career. " My key learning has been to
compromise while achieving a fair outcome for all parties, " he says. Ahn serves
as a member on Scripps' Executive Diversity Council, helping shape the company's
diversity pillar strategy in regard to recruiting, retention and messaging.
How's cable doing on diversity? " Compared to other industries, we are doing
relatively well with diversity in the workforce. " Ahn says. " However, on an absolute basis we could do better, especially
in bringing on recent college graduates and entry-level employees. "
5. Rita Tuzon
EVP/General Counsel, Fox Networks
Tuzon several years ago began to map out the restructuring of Fox Networks'
business and legal affairs departments under one umbrella to better position
the company for the industry warfare we like to call retransmission consent. The
move has paid off, and this summer she completed the process by promoting
additional key members to be able to tackle some of the toughest issues, though
Tuzon enjoys being right there on the front lines when it comes to turf battles like
the recent spat with Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, which spun into
a web of lawsuits. Tuzon-who says listening is the skill that's helped her most
in her career-also leads Fox's standards and practices group, making her the
ultimate gatekeeper for content on all Fox cable and broadcast shows. Her best
advice for young enthusiasts trying to break into cable? " Be open-minded to any
opportunity, " she says. " Most senior executives you ask will tell you they took a
chance or a challenge and are successfully doing something they never envisioned for themselves 10 or 20 years ago. "
6. Emilio Romano
President, Telemundo, NBCU
A former Univision Communications board member, Romano now iercely
battles the network giant for dominance in Spanish-language programming. He
oversees a media arsenal of 15 owned stations, news and sports departments,
Telemundo's Digital Media Group, mun2 and Telemundo International. " I believe it
is extremely important for media companies to genuinely relect the population in
their programming and who they hire in front of and behind the camera, " he says.
" It's good for business. " Also good for business, Romano believes, is original
programming-a key mandate for the executive since he stepped into the top
Telemundo slot last October. To help differentiate Telemundo, he has his sights
set on developing a good portion of new programming with international media
partners. Of course, World Cup coverage, which Romano wrested away from
Univision for the irst time ever, won't hurt Telemundo's bottom line. The timing
couldn't be better to raise the company's proile as the Spanish-language programming market prepares for even more
competition this fall when Rupert Murdoch throws his hat into the ring with his RCN joint venture.
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September 2012
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