Steve Koonin
Title: President, Turner Entertainment Networks
Number of Years in Cable: 14
Education: University of George, Fellow Grady School of Journalism
 
Stuart Snyder
Title: President/COO, Turner Broadcasting Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media
Years in Cable: 7
Education: BS, Accounting and Marketing, Binghamton University
 
Michael Wright
Title: President/Head of Programming, TBS, TNT, and Turner Classic Movies,
Turner Broadcasting System
Years in Cable: 11
Education: UCLA College of Fine Arts

Why Them? The programming on Turner nets alone could fill up your DVR, and that’s thanks to these three guys. Koonin has proven himself to be one of the most effective execs in television history as the leader of four top cable brands: TBS, TNT, truTV and Turner Classic Movies. Under Koonin’s leadership, TBS has enjoyed massive growth driven in part by the strategy of picking up CBS hit “The Big Bang Theory.” TNT launched basic cable’s top three new original series last year—“Major Crimes,” “Dallas” and “Perception.” Meanwhile, Snyder serves as a senior member of Phil Kent’s leadership team, which determines the company’s overall strategic direction. Snyder has cemented Adult Swim as the dominant young adult network on television today. He green-lights and positions original, Emmy-winning content—both animated and alternative live-action—that clearly resonates with today’s youth and young adults. Among Wright’s successful recent moves was the transition of “Cougar Town” from ABC to TBS, which set the stage for the show’s fifth season renewal.

Snyder

Apple or Samsung: Apple

The Beatles or The Rolling Stones: The Beatles

What I’d do differently if I could go back to high school: Charge more for the fake IDs I sold!

On a Saturday afternoon, you can find me… in front of a screen catching up on TV shows from my DVR list.

This is the hobby I’ve been itching to try, but haven’t found time: Play more golf!

Film fest or music festival: Film festival

The other subject I wish I’d picked for my college major: Sports Management & Marketing

I consider this person my mentor, and here’s why: Rather than a single individual, I have a personal Board of Directors whom I am lucky enough to consider as my mentors. I trust they know who they are.

The movie that should never be remade: The Godfather

The best piece of business advice I’ve gotten this year: Be creative, be flexible… and hit your numbers!

I watch the majority of programming on this device: A traditional television

Netflix or Hulu: Netflix

Celebrity, sports figure or politician I’d most want to have dinner with: President Bill Clinton

Celebrity, sports figure or politician I’d most NOT want to have dinner with: Rush Limbaugh

If I could tell my 21-year-old self something today, it would be… relax. It’s all going to work out!

Dish I can make and that would impress a celebrity chef: Peanut butter & jelly on toast

I wish Congress would just… listen to the people and do their job so that the country can move forward.

Favorite vacation spot: Rome

My New Year’s resolution for 2014 will be… same as it’s been since 2010—lose a little weight!

Appetizer or dessert: BOTH!! (See 2014 New Year’s Resolution) ?

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