December 10, 2009

CableFAX: 36. Dapper Joe and Good Bill Hunting: Joe Abruzzese and Bill Goodwyn

Joe Abruzzese

Title: President, Ad Sales,
Discovery Comm
Age: 65
Education: Seton Hall U
Social Media Quotient: 0

Bill Goodwyn
Title: President, Domestic Distribution and Enterprises, Discovery Communications.
Age: The age of Discovery
Education: BA, UNC
Social Media Quotient: 5

Why Them? What a team. Abruzzese racks up ad sales while Goodwyn crafts affiliate deals. Abruzzese not only dresses better than any of us, but he actually grew ad sales 5% YOY in this awful economy. Goodwyn rushes around so much keeping affiliates happy, he could be the subject of a fast-paced reality show. ( Bill Goodwyn: Hunter of Good Wyn-Wyn Deals. Wow. Sorry. Horrible.) While their jobs have gotten more challenging this year due to re-branding of several nets, they make it look effortless.

Famous Friend: The delayed but eventual launch of the Oprah Winfrey Network will keep these guys on their toes. Do they have Oprah on speed dial yet?

Year Ahead:

Despite changes and setbacks at OWN, Discovery’s brand is on a tear. Advertisers trust Abruzzese to bring value. And affiliates trust Goodwyn to deliver on his promises.

Joe Abruzzese:

Prediction for Cable in 2010: More growth than any other medium

If I Were a Mad Men Character, I Would Be: Roger Sterling.

Childhood Heroes: All my buddies

I Wish My Kids Would: Stay on their paths.

Favorite TV Show Not on Discovery: Mad Men

Best Business Advice: Always be yourself.

Bill Goodwyn:

Drinks of Choice: Red Bull & coffee (separately)

When I Need to Recharge, I: Get five more things to do from David Zaslav.

Trait I Most Admire in People: Integrity, competence and character.

I Wish My Kids Would...: Not grow up so fast.