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Brooke Johnson

Title: President, Food Network

Years in Cable: 18

Education: BA, Northwestern; MSJ, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern

Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Be brave; be direct.

Laureen Ong

Title: President, Travel Channel

Years in Cable: 16

Education: MA, Columbia University; BA Montclair State

Why Them? Quite simply, Ong and Johnson are programming dynamos. In her first full year as president of the Food category for Scripps, Johnson oversaw several key brand extensions for Food Network, including a partnership with Major League Baseball. Her programming strategy for the year has helped boost the network to its best ratings ever while lowering its average age. Over at Travel, although the network had a rough third quarter, revenues have remained steady and the network is expecting a better performance with new programming in the months ahead.

Outside the office: Johnson works closely with governmental task forces to combat childhood obesity. Ong’s a perfect fit for a lifestyle network since she likes to cook, renovate homes, travel, bike and hike.

Brooke Johnson

My favorite meal that I can also prepare myself: Chili con carne

Favorite “going out” town: Rome

The one thing I tell my kids about success in life: Be kind to yourself and to others.

My favorite business and/or motivational book: Good to Great

Favorite iPad app: New York Times

Laureen Ong

Favorite “going out” town: San Francisco

Worst thing I’ve ever heard someone say in a meeting: “ I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying attention, can you repeat that question?”

Favorite sports team: Chicago White Sox

Favorite vacation spot: Sydney

Guilty television pleasure is: “Chopped” on Food Network ?