CableFAX: 61. Full Court Press: David Levy

David Levy

Title: Pres, Sales, Distribution and Sports, Turner Broadcasting System

Age: Approaching 50

Education: BS, Syracuse

Social Media Quotient: 5

Why Him? Levy has used a bat and a basketball to promote impressive growth across platforms. TNT’s NBA coverage, particularly of playoff action, continues to pour in the ratings and ad scoring, and TBS’ MLB postseason telecasts have given the net’s lineup a powerful cleanup hitter. The two have helped Turner’s ad sales this year track on par with or slightly behind ’08 numbers even as the economy has labored. With Turner’s help, NBA TV has achieved notable distribution gains this year, and the company’s management of sites including NBA.com, NASCAR.com and PGATour.com continues to fuel cross-platform synergies for growth.

Cable Pennant: Though rival ESPN receives much of the accolades, Turner should be commended for helping establish cable as the place to go for sports.

The Year Ahead:

Sports ad sales remain important to Turner’s game plan, and their resilience is potent enough to help offset softness in entertainment programming.

Favorite Food: Steak

Drink of Choice: Red wine

Restaurant: Del Frisco’s NY

When I Need to Recharge, I…: Play golf or ski

Favorite iPhone/Blackberry App: League Pass Broadband

Favorite TV Show Not on Turner: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Best Business Advice: Treat people the way that you would want to be treated.