CableFAX: 96. Mr Persistence: Steve Friedman
Steve Friedman
Title: President, Network Distribution, Ion Media Networks
Last Year: #89
Age: Older than the next president
Education: Daily dose of CableFAX (bless you, Steve)
Why Him? A perennial 100 member, Friedman this year upped the ante on marketing Ion’s trifecta of nets — flagship Ion Television, kids channel qubo and Ion Life — and scored big. Comcast agreed to carry them early in ’08, and smaller deals have followed, including RCN’s addition of qubo in NYC, Philly and D.C.
Year Ahead: 
Ion’s steady growth shows no signs of slowing as more operators embrace Friedman’s digital triple play.
Favorite Foods: Scungilli, calamari
Favorite Restaurant: Umberto’s
Drink of Choice: Pellegrino
Favorite Music: Frank Sinatra, Al Green, Jay Z and the Crests
Unnecessary Luxury I Like Most: Weekends
Favorite Show Not on My Network: Hannity and Combs
Last Book Read: The Bible
In ’09 I Resolve To: Launch qubo and Ion Life everywhere
Favorite Part of My Job: Meeting with friends
Worst Part of My Job: Traveling
Cable’s Biggest Challenge: Navigation — channel lineups are getting crazy
Best Business Advice Received: Do unto others
Philosophy: Keep goin’
I Wish My Kids Would: Support me
Favorite Word: Yes
Least Favorite: No
Hero: Pastor Bob Coy
AM
