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.

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DirecTV, DISH Merger Still Possible

AT&T found a way to offload a stake in its US video business, but this likely isn’t the end of the road for DirecTV. A combo with DISH is still possible.

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