John Hsu

The acquisition of Chellomedia—now AMC Nets International— was a watershed moment for AMC this year, and Hsu excelled as a key advisor to the company’s CEO, CFO and senior management. Now he must oversee the continued integration of the international business and continue to identify new global business opportunities. His leadership of AMC Ventures’ digital investments in international online programming service DramaFever Corp. also helps keep him keenly focused on digital’s impact on the traditional ecosystem. “We are facing a new generation of consumers who are growing up without appointment viewing,” Hsu says. “The ability to source content outside the ecosystem will have a profound impact on what we all do.

What’s the definition of diversity in 2014, and how can the cable industry do better in the area of inclusiveness?

Diversity is about making the industry look more like our consumers.  The viewership is now global and the most diverse ever in our history.  We are in the midst of a technology revolution and have the increasing ability to engage with individual viewers.  Our successes and failures are measured in real-time.  We need to incorporate non-traditional viewpoints in order to meet the needs of the viewers of tomorrow.

What qualities do you look for when making a new hire?

The ideal candidate is someone who is motivated and unafraid to challenge the status quo.  Only when we challenge the status quo will we be able to keep up with the needs of the viewers.  We look for innovators and people who are sometimes just a little “nutty”.

Name one emerging trend in cable we should all have our eye on.

The potential impact of digital on the cable ecosystem.  We are facing a new generation of consumers who are growing up without appointment viewing.  The ability to source content outside the ecosystem will have a profound impact on what we all do. We need to look around the corner and be prepared for a future that will look very different.