Betty DeCicco
DeCicco began her career on the ad agency side of the media business, a pedigree that serves her well today in her position at Charter. Because she’s still passionate about selling and technology, DeCicco often can be found rolling up her sleeves and negotiating partnerships side by side with her staff. She leads a senior sales team in NYC, setting strategy for both linear and digital sales. DeCicco is keeping a close eye on TV Everywhere. “Allowing people to consume our medium in the ways that fit their lifestyle and preference puts us in a long-term win-win situation,” she says.
What grade do you give the cable industry on diversity and why?
I would give the cable industry as a whole a B- to a B from the programs we air to the talent that is hired. Throughout the industry, I see a mindfulness that diverse companies outperform others. There is a strong backing for the internal groups, sometimes referred to as Employee Networks, as well as support to join and participate in organizations like NAMIC and WICT. I emphasize the support aspect because it is easy for a company to sponsor an event. Taking the next step by allowing employees time to attend programs that help them grow, learn and celebrate diversity speaks volumes. We all still have work to do when we look at the C-Suite. At the same time, there is real change happening in cable’s next generation. Emerging in cable’s next generation is an effortless innate ability to embrace and appreciate diversity through inclusion.
The technology that will most benefit cable over the next year is…
TV Everywhere. The ability we have for our service and content to reach customers is growing at a rapid pace – wifi hotspots, apps and partners. Allowing people to consume our medium in the ways that fit their lifestyle and preference, puts us in a long-term win-win situation.
What television show/s – cable or broadcast – best embrace diversity?
“The Walking Dead,” “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Scandal” and “Orange Is the New Black”
My personal election campaign slogan would be…
United we stand
Favorite charity organization you work with?
Martin Luther School Scholarship and Exchange Program