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.

Sean Bratches

Biggest innovation in cable over the last year: The reality of being able to watch a live, 24/7 cable network on my iPad or iPhone, like ESPN
 
Favorite Starbucks order: Vente black tea lemonade unsweetened (i.e. Arnold Palmer)
 
Favorite iPad app: WatchESPN, but for non-ESPN apps, HBO Go
 
Acts I would see live: If I could, Led Zeppelin
 
Favorite business and/or motivational book: “Green Eggs & Ham,” Dr. Seuss
 
When I look at my cable set-top box, I can’t help but think: If programmers and operators work more closely together, there could be even more opportunities to deliver compelling content to consumers.
 

David Preschlack

Biggest innovation in cable over the last year: Portability via authentication. It is a key driver in our business right now and is where the business is going in the future.
 
Favorite “going out” town: Sweet home Chicago
 
Favorite sports team: Chicago Cubs
 
Favorite vacation spot: Nantucket
 
How many companies have you worked for since college? 1: I’m a lifer.

The Daily

Subscribe
Friday–January 21

Netflix Strikes Fear With Low Guidance

Netflix stock lost nearly a quarter of its value Friday in the aftermath of a 4Q21 earnings call where the C-Suite guided to an underwhelming 1Q22. The streamer forecasted 2.5 million net adds, down from the 4

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Jan 28
Cablefax 100 – 2022 Nominations Due: January 28, 2022
Mar 11
The FAXIES 2022Entry Deadline: March 11
Apr 1
Cablefax Top Ops – 2022Nominations Due: April 1, 2022
Jun 3
The Diversity List – 2022Nomination Deadline: June 3
Aug 12
Most Powerful Women – 2022Nominations Due: August 12
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB?
VIEW JOBS

Hiring? In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors, The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact John@cynopsis.com for more information.