December 10, 2009

CableFAX: 34. Cohen Zone: David Cohen

David Cohen
Title: EVP, Comcast
Age: 54
Education: BA, Swarthmore College; JD, U of PA
Social Media Quotient: 2

Why Him? As a top advisor to Brian Roberts, Cohen’s influence is immense. A lawyer, he oversees Comcast’s PR and public affairs/policy outreach, as well as diversity initiatives and elements of the MSO’s strategy. Comcast’s likely play for NBCU should increase Cohen’s sway. We also like that he always finds time to call us back or return an email. Much appreciated.

In Box: Myriad issues — net neutrality, authentication, retrans etc — will cross Cohen’s desk in one way or another.

Year Ahead:

Cohen’s biggest challenge may be balancing Comcast’s business interests with the need to explain to the public (and the new FCC chairman) why onerous net-neutrality rules are a bad idea.

Favorite Restaurant: Any Stephen Starr restaurant

Drink of Choice: Diet Coke

Favorite iPhone/Blackberry app: Comcast mobile

Childhood Hero: My grandfather – a lawyer and judge, active in NY politics

Favorite TV Show: This Week with George Stephanopoulos