7. Michael Bair

7. Michael Bair
President, MSG Media

Years in Cable: 30

Education: Penn State

Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: You own your own destiny.

It’s been a big year of recognition for MSG. Bair has seen the network earn an impressive 71 Emmy nominations (and 15 wins) and a 100% increase in Knicks ratings. MSG Media moved into a new headquarters at Madison Square Garden this year, and has cranked out more than 700 live events and 400 live pro games. On the horizon are digital product rollouts for MSG Nets and Fuse. The tongue-in-cheek Bair shares his family motto with us: “If you’re going to be a Bair, be a Grizzly.” ’Nuff said.

My best technique for deterring time-wasting office visits from co-workers: “Visit them first.”
Bands I would actually go see live:  Black Keys, Led  Zeppelin, Coldplay
The top 3 most played selections on my iPod:  “Send Somebody,” Colin Hay; “A Case of You,” Nancy Wilson; “Just Breathe,” Pearl Jam
My favorite vacation spot:  Block Island
My guilty television pleasure:  “Justified”
What I admire most about Millennials is… Their combined sense of community and ambition.