Title: EVP, Development & Programming, History and H2
Number of Years in Cable:17
Education:BA in Psychology from Maryland U.
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less:Only the unexpected is entertaining.
Why Them? One of the more modest execs in cable, DiBitetto lets his work and others do the talking for him. In his autobiography, the late Patrick Swayze says DiBitetto “restored my faith in humanity” when the veteran programmer supported Swayze in his bout with cancer, keeping him in the title role of A&E crime series “The Beast.” Swayze rewarded DiBitetto and viewers with a performance for the ages. Similarly, DiBitetto’s instincts were right to re-open “Bates Motel” in ’13. 18-49 and 25-54 tourists flocked to the simple inn, although they avoided showering. Hoogstra also had success with an unwashed bunch. History’s “Vikings” is the only cable drama launch in ’13 so far to best “Bates” in those demos. Hoogstra was bumped up to EVP this year on the success of a slightly cleaner crew, “Hatfields and McCoys,” which he exec produced.
Hoogstra
The one thing I’d do differently if I could go back to high school: Nothing
On a Saturday afternoon, you can find me… outside.
My peers would be surprised to learn that I… played in a band for 6 years.
Appetizer or dessert? Appetizer
Film fest or music festival? Too close to call
I consider this person my mentor, and here’s why: Maurice Paleau, Sean Gallagher, Nancy Dubuc…I’ve had 3.
Maurice gave me my first job in TV.
Sean taught me how to develop.
Nancy taught me how to lead.
Favorite airport? Heathrow
The movie that should never be remade?Citizen Kane
The best piece of business advice I’ve gotten this year: Don’t f’#$k it up.
My favorite Cable Show memory: Watching the premiere of Thriller on MTV.
If I could tell my 21-year-old self something today, it would be… You’re right, keep going.
The biggest lesson I learned from my kid(s) this year was… have fun.
The day we get multiplatform measurement is the day I… will be so happy not to talk about it anymore.
Dish I can make and that would impress a celebrity chef: Sloppy Joe ?
TelevisaUnivision continued to invest more into its ViX streaming product during 1Q24, but that commitment comes at a cost. The company saw operating expenses grow 16% YOY to $821 million driven by those
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