David Rone
Title: President, Sports, News & Local Programming, Time Warner Cable
Number of Years in Cable: 14
Education: BA, Tufts University; JD, Northwestern University School of Law
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Have a sense of urgency and passion.

Why Him? When TWC launched its two LA Lakers regional sports networks in southern California, it was Rone who steered the ship. He assembled a team of 300 employees and landed full distribution fewer than two months after their debut. The enterprise went well enough to earn him a promotion to his current title, which demands oversight of TWC’s 53 local channels nationally, as well as its 50 local VOD channels. He has guided investments in the upcoming LA Dodgers net as well, dubbed SportsNet LA, and is rebranding the MSO’s local news and sports outlets. Industry accolades for Rone abound. He was named a founding board member of the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition by Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. And he has appeared on lists such as the “50 Most Powerful African-American in Sports” by Black Enterprise and the “101 Most Influential Minorities in Sports” by Sports Illustrated.

Apple or Samsung? Apple
 
Beatles or The Rolling Stones? Rolling Stones
 
The one thing I’d do differently if I could go back to high school: Study
 
On a Saturday afternoon, you can find me… in a gym or on a field watching my
kids play their numerous sports events.
 
This is the hobby I’ve been itching to try, but haven’t found time: Cooking
 
My new year’s resolution for 2014 will be… healthy eating.
 
My peers would be surprised to learn that I… never learned to type.
 
Appetizer or dessert? Unfortunately, DESSERT!!
 
Film fest or music festival? Film Festival
 
The other subject I wish I’d picked for my college major: English
 
Favorite decade? ‘90s
 
Most embarrassing moment? Too many to choose from and certainly more to come…
 
I consider this person my mentor, and here’s why: John Cooke, former EVP,
corporate affairs, at The Walt Disney Company. I learned so much about corporate
relationships, getting to YES in conflict situations and about always taking the long-term view versus the short and easy path.
 
Favorite airport? Anyone where I’m fortunate enough to be riding on private aircraft and not dealing with the hassles of TSA, security lines, etc.
 
The movie that should never be remade? The Godfather
 
The best piece of business advice I’ve gotten this year: Go big or go home…
 
I watch the majority of programming on this device: 61-inch Samsung in my family
Room
 
Netflix or Hulu? Netflix
 
Celebrity, sports figure or politician I’d most want to have dinner with? President Obama
 
Cable exec I wish had done a Harlem Shake video? Rob Marcus
 
If I could tell my 21-year-old self something today, it would be… laugh a little more.
 
Dish I can make and that would impress a celebrity chef: PB&J sandwich
 
I wish Congress would just… all get on the same page.
 
Favorite business and/or motivational book? Winning by Jack Welch
 
Favorite vacation spot? Four Seasons Hualalai Resort in Kona Hawaii ?

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