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

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