December 11, 2009

CableFAX: 82. Transitioning: Garth Ancier

Garth Ancier

Title: President, BBC

Worldwide America Age: 52

Education: BA, Princeton

Social Media Quotient: 8

Why Him? First off, props to Ancier for joining Hallmark’s Abbott (#41) in answering so many of our questions (must be something about programmers whose names begin with A). Speaking of kudos, BBC A picked up several best program honors during CableFAX’s Program Awards (for BBC World News America and drama Britz).

Ta-Ta: As we went to press Ancier said he’d leave his post in March. In 3 years, he raised profits 78%, increased distribution of BBC America to 65mln households, doubled prime time ratings and greatly increased ad sales. Ancier also hosted at his home a great TCA party.

Favorite Foods: Sushi and fish

Favorite Restaurant: Blue Hill, NY

Drink of Choice: Red wines with Parker scores of 90+

Last Book Read: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

When I Need to Recharge I: Host a dinner party with friends.

Prediction for Cable in ’10: Ever more growth, as cable again outperforms broadcast.

In 2010 the Economy Will...: Continue to slowly improve.

Favorite iPhone/Blackberry App: New CNN app with streaming video

A Day Without Facebook is...: I wouldn’t know...I use it multiple times daily.

Twitter is...: Too intrusive.

Favorite Part of My Job: Discovering a great idea from British TV that hasn’t been unearthed on American TV.

Worst Part: Dealing with British TV’s incomprehensible series order patterns.

Trait I Most Admire in People: The courage to innovate.

Childhood Hero: Fred Silverman

I Wish My Kids Would: Exist

Favorite TV Show Not on BBC America: House

If I Were a Mad Men Character I Would be: I’d like to think of myself as Don Draper, but I’m probably more Bertram Cooper.

3 Things I’d Take to a Deserted Island: An iPhone with full access to the iTunes store, a case of Colgin wine and a full-time chef.

Best Business Advice: Deal with a problem at the head, not the knees. — Barry Diller