December 10, 2009

CableFAX: 28. Wizards of Burbank: Gary Marsh and Rich Ross

Gary Marsh
Title: Pres, Ent, Disney Channels Worldwide
Age: A tad higher than our demo
Education: BA, UCLA, Communication Studies
Social Media Quotient: 4

Rich Ross
Title: Chmn, Walt Disney Studios
Age: 48
Education: BA, U of PA, International Relations and English; J.D., Fordham U
Social Media Quotient: 7

Why Them? Given Disney Channel’s continuous stream of hits, it’s difficult to envision Ross and Marsh without some sort of magical programming wand. Wizards of Waverly Place has followed mega hits Hannah Montana and High School Musical. Boys-focused net Disney XD is gaining momentum, and should be helped greatly from Disney’s acquisition of Marvel Entertainment.

Ross the Boss? With Ross moving to the studio side and a successor (if there is one) TBD, the future of Disney Channels is in flux — at least within the exec suites.

The Year Ahead:

The HR question looms, yet Disney programming likely will shine as usual.

Ross:

Favorite Food: Pizza

Favorite Restaurant: Jar in L.A.

Marsh:

Favorite Restaurant: The Bazaar by Jose Andres

Twitter Is...: So much less interesting since Miley Cyrus signed off.

If I Were in Mad Men, I Would Be...: Wearing a nicotine patch.