December 10, 2009

CableFAX: 55. Real GM of NY: Frances Berwick

Frances Berwick

Title: GM/EVP, Bravo
Age: Is a state of mind
Education: MA, Edinburgh
Social Media Quotient: 7

Why Her? Berwick’s tenure has seen programming hours increase by 45% and she added an extra 15% in ’09. She’s also expanding the brand beyond the tube. The net’s 1st book, Top Chef: The Cookbook, was a NY Times best-seller and is in its 4th printing; a sequel debuted this fall. It’s amazing to us how Berwick & co are able to continue to churn out Real Housewives and Top Chef spinoffs that are water cooler worthy. We hope the net got a cut of Tardy for the Party.

Moore is Better: Next year will see yet another increase in original programming hours, including a creative competition series exec produced by Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher.

The Year Ahead:

Bravo has enough new shows in the works, something is bound to stick.

Favorite Food: Linguine with clams

Drink of Choice: Tea and wine, copious amounts of both

Prediction for Cable in ’10: A healthy year of continued growth, more original hours with a couple of standout hit shows, and true interactivity emerging.

When I Need to Recharge, I: Eat chocolate

Last Book Read: Dirty Little Secrets of Buzz

Twitter is...: Instant gratification for the voyeurs and the exhibitionists among us, and an incredible finger on the pulse of trends.

If I Were a Mad Men Character I Would be: Much better dressed.

I Wish My Kids Would: Stop quoting SpongeBob.

Favorite Part of My Job: Working with smart, funny, driven people

Favorite Show Not on Bravo: Chelsea Lately

Best Business Advice Received: Be flexible.