CableFAX Digital Hot List 2012 Michael Spirito – YES Network

Spirito is the MVP when it comes to keeping those rabid Yankees and Nets fans connected any time, anywhere, through any medium. He oversees all of YES’ digital media initiatives, including its Web site and offshoot social media platform MyYES, which he helped create. And talk about impressive stats: Overall, the network’s Web site saw a 52% increase in unique visitors and 32% increase in page views in 2011 over the prior year. Spirito also orchestrated a partnership with the premier New York Giants fan blog and online sports community SB Nation, plus content-sharing deals with FanTake, a network of 35 blogs covering a range of sports and teams, and entertainment check-in service GetGlue.

 

The biggest challenge with TV Everywhere/authentication is:First, navigating the rights issues and getting content owners comfortable and on board, followed by the risk that the customer migrates elsewhere or a new technology or consumption model beats distributors to the punch.

Without social media, the world would be just a little bit… Less informed.

 

What’s cable’s biggest digital opportunity in the next year? Better digital media management within the home.

 

Would you rather own a flying car or a jetpack—and why? Flying car, no question. Bonus that it now exists – http://www.terrafugia.com/