CableFAX: 83. Independent’s Day: Evan Shapiro
Evan Shapiro
Title: President, IFCtv, Sundance Channel
Last Year: #83
Age: I honestly thought I’d be dead or in jail by now
Education: College dropout
Why Him? Shapiro found gold at the end of the Rainbow this year when he was named chief of IFC and Sundance. He wasted little time connecting the dots between the two indie-spirited networks. The wrinkles are being ironed out within the new joint sales force—and the pressure’s definitely on to justify the $496mln the Dolans shelled out for Sundance—but a slate of originals and docs hold promise.
Year Ahead: 
Shapiro will be swimming in a fishbowl. His task of combining while differentiating IFC and Sundance began just as Cablevision told investors it was considering selling all or part of Rainbow.
Favorite Music: Elvis Costello—is there anyone else?
Favorite Show Not on My Network: Rachel Maddow Show, MSNBC
Last Book Read: Good to Great (5th time)
My Company Is Preparing for the Future By: Concentrating on relationships, not transactions
In ’09 I Resolve To: Be much better at my new job and a much better father to my two kids
Favorite Part of My Job: The people
Worst Part: The economy
I Wish My Kids Would: Stay as close as we all are right now
Favorite Word: Mishegas
Least Favorite: Downturn