CableFAX: 84. Consummate Traveler: Patrick Younge
Patrick Younge
Title: President/GM, Travel Channel Media
Age: Old enough (44)
Education: University College Cardiff, Wales; London Business School
Why Him? The uprooting of a network can be a little disruptive. But Younge steered Travel’s $1bln transition out of the Discovery consortium and into the Cox family with aplomb. The network had its strongest upfront, best audience delivery and sizable increases in global content syndication. It also launched its simulcast HD network, now in 5mln HHs.
Worth Watching: The wide launch of Travel’s first direct-to-consumer mobile offering, Travel Channel Go!
Year Ahead: 
As Travel gets comfortable in its new digs and Younge continues to focus programming, transition jitters should fade.
Place I’d Like to See Most But Haven’t Yet: China
Favorite Food: Indian, Thai, BBQ
Favorite Restaurant: The Cliffs, Barbados, but it’s never about the location, it’s always the company
Drink of Choice: Mojito
Music: R’n’B/soul, reggae, ABBA
Unnecessary Luxury I Like Most: Anything promoted by Billy Mays, most recently the Steam Buddy
Fave Show Not on Travel: Mad Men
Last Book Read: 1776 by David McCullough
In 2009 I Resolve To: Survive, and with luck, thrive.
Favorite Part of My Job: Knowing that tomorrow will be nothing like today.
Cable’s Biggest Challenge Is: To increase the quantity, quality, reach and speed of development for return path services, so networks can further engage consumers and advertisers.
Worst Part of My Job: The tyranny of the overnights
Best Business Advice Received: Be Yourself.
Travel Channel Is Preparing For The Future By: Focusing on the consumer, not the platform, and increasing our investment in our own people.
My Philosophy Of Life Is: Try to be the change you want to see in the world.
I Wish My Kids Would: Listen to their parents.
My Favorite Word Is: Change
My Least Favorite Word Is: Can’t
Trait I Most Admire: Honesty
Teams: West Indies (cricket), Brazil
(soccer), Wales (rugby) and the Redskins
My Hero Is: Nelson Mandela.
CO
