December 10, 2009

CableFAX: 3. Misters Everywhere: Phil Kent and Andy Heller

Phil Kent
Title: Chairman/CEO, Turner Broadcasting System
Age: 55
Education: BA, Econ, Lehigh

Andy Heller
Title: Vice Chairman of Turner Broadcasting System
Age: Mustache adds 5 years
Education: BA, Cornell U; JD, Fordham U
Social Media Quotient: 6

Why Them? Think you have a pressure job? Heller is Turner’s point man on TV Everywhere. Fortunately the former Turner domestic distribution chief is known as a master negotiator. Owner of one of cable’s largest and strongest portfolios (network revenue rose 5% in Q3), Kent, too, has a reputation as a top-flight strategist and problem solver.

No Sweat: In mid-May, when he was upped to Vice Chairman, Heller told us the biggest misconception about TV Everywhere is its degree of difficulty. "It’s not simple, but it’s not as hard as people are making it sound," he said.

The Year Ahead:

Turner will see growth, but will consumers wait patiently for cable to slowly unveil TV Everywhere?

Heller:

Favorite Restaurant: Impudent Oyster, Chatham, Mass

Drink of Choice: Chateau Margaux or Kettle One, rocks, olives

Best Business Advice Received: It’s hard to learn anything if you are the only one in the room talking. — Jimmy Doolittle

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