66 | MAKING A KILLING
By | June 1, 2013
David Lyle
Title: CEO, National Geographic Channels
Number of Years in Cable: 8 (25-plus in industry)
Education: St. Ignatius College, Riverview, Sydney; University of Sydney, B Sc – Geology & Geophysics; Exploration Geologist
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Winners have parties, losers have meetings.
Howard Owens
Title: President, National Geographic Channels
Number of Years in Cable: 15
Education: BA; SMU, JD, Quinnipiac University
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Know what you don’t know.
Why Them? Under Lyle’s leadership, Nat Geo recently scored its all-time highest viewership, and all-time ad sales records. Owens has placed a major focus on bringing bold specials to the network’s lineup. Under his leadership, Nat Geo bowed two defining miniseries: “The 80s: The Decade That Made Us,” and ratings hit “Killing Lincoln,” which it will follow with two more Ridley Scott/Bill O’Reilly projects, “Killing Kennedy” and “Killing Jesus.” New series “Brain Games” was the net’s highest-rated series launch for its May 8 debut, and new epic-adventure series “Ultimate Survival Alaska” debuted this spring. Both are greenlit for second seasons.
Lyle
Beatles or The Rolling Stones? When they Stones came to Australia, I was working in a store where they swooped in and “bought” things and thought someone else would pay. I am still waiting. I think they owe me $45… about $2,000 in today’s money.
On a Saturday afternoon, you can find me… unless I am very lucky and you can’t.
My peers would be surprised to learn that I… know something.
The other subject I wish I’d picked for my college major: Fine Arts… beautiful students as I recall from crashing occasional lectures.
The best piece of business advice I’ve gotten this year: Hope is a strategy.
Cable exec I wish had done a Harlem Shake video? Our NGC version has 75,000 views, and we were there way before lots of others.
Favorite vacation spot? Vatulele (Island in Fiji) with a carry bag of lots of books, my wife and my watercolors.
Owens
The one thing I’d do differently if I could go back to high school: Study
On a Saturday afternoon, you can find me… at my daughter’s soccer game.
This is the hobby I’ve been itching to try, but haven’t found time: Play guitar well.
My new year’s resolution for 2014 will be… less sugar.
My peers would be surprised to learn that… my first job was a summer internship for Senator Dodd.
The other subject I wish I’d picked for my college major: History
Most embarrassing moment? Too many for one to stand out.
I consider this person my mentor, and here’s why: Ben Silverman and David Lyle. Both loyal, smart and fun.
Celebrity, sports figure or politician I’d most NOT want to have dinner with? Any of the Real Housewives.
The biggest innovation in cable over the last year: National Geographic Channel ?