29 | BATTERING RAMS
Sean Bratches
Title: EVP, ESPN
Years in Cable: 24
Education: Rochester Institute of Technology
David Preschlack
Title: EVP, Affiliate Sales & Marketing, Disney & ESPN Media Networks Group
Years in Cable: 16
Education: BA, Denison University
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Focus on what’s right, not who’s right (from my Dad).
Why Them? Team superstars Bratches and Preschlack continue to broker deals that add value to ESPN’s ever-expanding posse of TV, radio, online, broadband, publishing, wireless, consumer products, event management, restaurants, games and branded products. Now a year into its landmark deal with TWC for authenticated networks for ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN 3.com, the pact also includes new nets ESPN Buzzer Beater and ESPN Goal Line. ESPN’s first-ever live streaming networks launched in October via the WatchESPN app, providing smartphone and tablet access. Add to that the fall intro of the 24/7 Longhorn Network, dedicated to the University of Texas, with 200-plus sporting annual events, original series, studio shows, historical and academic programming.
Year Ahead: Bratches and Preschlack continue to bat home run sales & marketing initiatives that have made ESPN a technology cable vanguard. Surveys of cable operators in 2011 by Beta Research Corp. ranked ESPN and ESPN2 the top two ad-supported nets in perceived value.