CableFAX Digital Hot List 2012 JB Perrette – Discovery Communications

While at NBCU Perrette helped launch several channels including Sleuth, Chiller and Universal HD, plus a little digital venture called Hulu. He hit the ground running last year when he hopped over to Discovery to lead its digital strategy. His purview now includes 300 employees and all the company’s U.S. Web sites, interactive technology initiatives and digital distribution efforts—all of which are currently in heavy ramp-up mode. Perrette is also responsible for Discovery’s Information Technology services division, Discovery Commerce, including Licensing and Home Entertainment, and Footage and Music Services.

 

When it comes to digital trends, what’s something the kids are doing today that we’ll all be doing tomorrow?Personalized curation. They may not call it that, but the proliferation of new social apps and tools is revolutionizing how we keep up with our interests and passions. Consumers love choice, but they are drowning in it. They’re looking for tools and brands that help them filter the Internet for what’s most relevant to them.

Without social media, the world would be just a little bit…  less democratic.

 

What’s cable’s biggest digital opportunity in the next year? Financially: SVOD; Audience Engagement-Wise: Marrying video with social.

 

What digital strategy mistake must cable avoid at all costs?Believing we can control the digital user. If we don’t provide it to the consumer the way he/she wants, they’ll find a way around us.

 

What’s your favorite digital toy and why?  iPad, and my 2-year-old would say the same.

 

If you were wearing Google’s new Project Glass eyewear right now, what would be on your screen? CableFax.com