5Qs with Bridget Baker, pres, NBC Universal TV Networks Distribution
How has your role shifted since David Zaslav left, and after the reorganizations that have followed?
I have continued to maintain close contact with all of our partners on a daily basis, so my external focus has not changed. However, I have more internal responsibility on the NBCU and GE side of things.
What’s the most challenging part of your job right now?
Outside of not having enough time in the day, it’s staying on top of the ever-changing landscape. Our industry is moving at a record pace and we are constantly looking at ways to respond to our customers needs by providing them with strategic solutions to their competition and to their product offerings. NBCU and other programmers can go direct to consumers with Web/mobile content.
Does that make traditional distribution deals more complicated?
Certainly technology has allowed us to present our shows and networks in different ways, including on-the-go, small screens and on demand. Our MSO partners have always provided a unique television viewing experience watching shows such as USA’s "Monk" or Sci Fi’s "Battlestar Galactica." That experience through the television is still favored. The cable model is one that works and has worked for decades. Content owners and distributors need to continue to make the viewing experience for the consumer as engaging as possible, utilizing technology, such as high-definition, on-demand and interactive applications.
How is the explosion of VOD changing the way you approach deals with operators?
On Demand programming allows us to bring more to the table and provide our customers with additional content to help drive their businesses. Right now, we are attempting to provide each affiliate with programming that they want. Going forward, we will customize based on the needs of our customers, whether it’s programming from NBC Television, Universal Pictures or our cable networks.
What’s NBCU’s focus at the Cable Show? What do you hope to get out of it?
We view the Cable Show as a great opportunity to meet with key influencers and decision makers from all of our various multiplatform partners. We listen to what’s on their minds and showcase our latest content. Our meetings in Las Vegas will focus on the many ways we can jointly move forward.