CableFAX: 13. Woof – Woof: Matt Blank
Matt Blank
Title: Chmn/CEO, Showtime Networks
Last Year: #48
Age: 58
Education: U of PA (Wharton School), BA; Baruch College, MBA
Why Him? Blank’s philosophy is "every dog has his day." If so, the two-time Vanguard winner should be barking. Loudly. After more than 3 decades in the business, the 20-year Showtime vet has a stable of hit series including Dexter, The Tudors and Californication and the highest sub numbers in the premium net’s history. It’s not a coincidence that Blank and Showtime top HBO on our list.
Best Move: Hiring Bob Greenblatt (#19) five years ago to run programming and deciding to cut Showtime’s heavy output in favor of fewer, top-quality productions.
Year Ahead: 
Showtime’s ’09 double threat skews female, including heavy buzz for Edie Falco as Nurse Jackie, plus Toni Collette in United States of Tara.
Favorite Food: Pizza and steak
Favorite Restaurant: Balthazar
Drink of Choice: Super Tuscan red wine
Favorite Music: John Legend, Coldplay
Fave Show Not on My Net: CSI
Last Book Read: Neverland by Joseph O’Neill
In ’09 I Resolve To: Eat less steak and pizza
Favorite Part of My Job: My staff
Worst Part of My Job: Budgets
Cable’s Biggest Challenge: Keeping up with the rate of change in technology and the economy
Best Business Advice Received: Every dog has his day
I Wish My Kids Would: Support me
Favorite Sports Teams: Yankees, Knicks, Giants and Rangers
SA