John Skipper
Title: President/Co-Chairman, ESPN and Disney Media
Number of Years in Cable: I have been at ESPN since 1997, so 16.
Education: BA Literature, North Carolina; MA, Literature, Columbia
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Avoid short-form advice.
 
Anne Sweeney
Title: President, Disney/ABC Television Group, Co-Chair Disney Media Networks.
Number of Years in Cable: 30-plus
Education: BA, the College of New Rochelle; Ed.M, Harvard University.
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Be curious. Move fast.
 

Why Them? Skipper and Sweeney both drove massive viewing numbers and pioneering programming for their respective media makers. Skipper served up ESPN’s first exclusive Wimbledon and scored big with the BCS Championship game, attracting the event’s second-largest audience ever. Meanwhile, Sweeney was out launching new offerings like Disney Junior and a suite of WATCH TV Everywhere products. Their talents came together throughout the year when they locked up major long-term agreements with four of the top 10 biggest affiliates. They also continued their networks’ push toward securing a greater foothold with Spanish-speaking audiences. Slap on a few highly profitable digital ventures, and you’ve got yourself another solid year.

Skipper

The one thing I’d do differently if I could go back to high school: I cannot imagine wanting to be that clueless again even for one day and for the questionable benefit of having a fuller head of hair.

The other subject I wish I’d picked for my college major: Shooting Guard

I consider this person my mentor, and here’s why: George Bodenheimer for his wisdom, patience (with me) and humanity.

The movie that should never be remade? I would hesitate to remake any film Stanley Kubrick made first.

I watch the majority of programming on this device: The one available when my team is playing.

Sweeney

Beatles or The Rolling Stones? Beatles

On a Saturday afternoon, you can find me… painting.

My peers would be surprised to learn that I… paint.

Appetizer or dessert? Appetizer – then you still have something to look forward to!

Film fest or music festival? Film fest

The other subject I wish I’d picked for my college major: Art History

Favorite decade? The current one

I consider this person my mentor, and here’s why: My mother, my first mentor. She pushed me to achieve more than I thought I could.

I watch the majority of programming on this device: iPad

The biggest innovation in cable over the last year: WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH Disney XD, WATCH Disney Junior ?

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