27 | WRITING THE SCRIPPS
Ken Lowe
Title: Chairman, President/CEO, Scripps Networks Interactive
Years in Cable: 17
Education: BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Best Advice: “It’s the People”
John Lansing
Title: President, Scripps Networks
Years in Cable: 8
Education: BA, Bellarmine University
Best Advice: Arrive early, stay late & raise the bar
Why Them? There have been a few bumps in 2011, but overall Lowe and Lansing continue to deliver for shareholders, and said this fall that revenues for the year should rise 10% to 12% over last year. Programming expenses are up, as is promotion, but the executive team at Scripps has enjoyed a solid launch of new programming, as well as continued performance from its core networks. Technology and international growth will be twin pillars of Scripps’ strategy in the year ahead, as well as licensing consumer products. The pair will also shepherd the continued growth of their smaller networks in DIY Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country; seek growth for Scripps Networks’ growing stable of digital properties; and look for opportunities to expand Scripps Networks’ footprint globally.
Early Media Men: Lowe set up his own small radio station when he was only 10 years old. Lansing started his career as a news photographer at age 17 in Paducah, Ky.
Year Ahead: With its strong brands, and a mix of well-distributed and premium networks, Scripps is poised for a strong 2012. Expect some headwinds, but Lowe and Lansing have always been known as skippers who can steer through choppy waters.
Ken Lowe
Favorite meal I can also prepare myself: Texas style Chili
Never put on a hot dog: Mayonnaise
Worst thing I’ve ever heard in a meeting: “We can’t do that”
Starbucks drink: Mocha light
Band I would actually pay to see live: Coldplay
John Lansing
Favorite restaurant: Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain in Midtown Manhattan
Favorite “going out” town: San Francisco
Band I would pay to see live: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Most Played on my iPod: Beatles boxed set
Favorite business and/or motivational book: Good To Great ?
