CableFAX: 76. Nostalgic No Longer: Larry Jones
Larry Jones
Title: President, TV Land
Last Year: N/A
Age: 40-something
Education: Ohio State U, BS
Why Him? Who needs nostalgia when you’ve got ratings? TV Land started ’08 with its best-ever Q, delivering a 19% ratings gain and 24% delivery surge vs the same period in ’07. Originals — notably High School Reunion — are skewing younger, and new programming will focus heavily on dating and romance, which obviously doesn’t die when you hit The Big 4-0, another TV Land winner.
Year Ahead: 
With plans to triple the hours of originals in prime time — up from 15% now — Jones and TV Land will feel young again.
Food: Anything with black truffles
Restaurant: Babbo in NYC
Drink: Stoli & tonic
Music: Rap
Unnecessary Luxury I Like Most: Cashmere socks
Fave Show Not on My Net: Weeds
Last Book Read: Magician of the Modern by Eugene R. Gaddis
Favorite Part of My Job: Meeting people who have big ideas for change
Worst Part of My Job: Meeting people looking to maintain the status quo
Cable’s Biggest Challenge: Being original
Best Business Advice Received: "Too many people in this town are afraid to make a decision. If you want be successful, just make a decision, any decision, and if you are right more than wrong, they will let you stay around." – Sheldon Leonard
I Wish My Kids Would: Find true passion
Favorite Word: Widget
Least Favorite Word: Mortgage
Favorite Sports Team: UFC
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