December 10, 2009

CableFAX: 5. Same Ole Successful Ballgame: George Bodenheimer and Anne Sweeney

George Bodenheimer
Title: Co-chair, Disney Media Nets; Pres, ESPN, ABC Sports
Age: 51
Education: BS, Denison U
Social Media Quotient: 5

Anne Sweeney
Title: Co-chair, Disney Media Nets; Pres, Disney, ABC TV Group
Age: Same as last year, plus 1
Education: BA, College of New Rochelle; MA, Harvard

Why Them? With SportsCenter celebrating its 30th anniversary, Bodenheimer has ESPN poised for growth and longevity through international expansion. The sports giant now has 45 networks outside America, perhaps none infused with more purpose than the eponymous UK channel launched to accommodate English Premier League soccer. As for Sweeney, Disney Channel remains dominant among the younger set. Focused squarely on boys, new Disney XD is growing audience share, proving its re-brand from Toon Disney was the right call. And The Mouse joined NBCU and News Corp in popular online video aggregator Hulu.

Worth Watching: ESPN’s landscape-changing local digital push through Websites in Boston, Dallas and Chicago, and Disney’s integration of Marvel Entertainment content.

The Year Ahead:

Armed with two of the most recognizable brands in America and ample growth opportunities, Bodenheimer and Sweeney continue looking up.

Bodenheimer

Favorite Restaurant: Anyone with a big-screen TV tuned to the right channel and a friendly bartender.

Prediction for Cable in 2010: Will continue to provide the best entertainment value in America.

Favorite Blackberry App: ESPN ScoreCenter

Favorite Part of My Job: Meeting people

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