Byron Allen & Janice Arouh
Byron Allen
Title: Founder, Chairman & CEO, Entertainment Studios Networks
Years in Cable: 9
Education: USC Film School
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Always believe in yourself.
Janice Arouh
Title: President, Domestic Network
Distribution and Marketing, Entertainment Studios Networks
Years in Cable: 24
Education: BA, Communications, John Carroll University
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Do not take no for an answer; there is always a work-around.
Together, the pair has secured affiliate distribution agreements for Entertainment Studios Networks’ six HD cable networks and Justice Central with Suddenlink, AT&T and CenturyLink’s TV Everywhere services, and international distribution in Australia and Kenya. And in April, they inked carriage deals with 25 new regional cable and broadband ops, such as Vyve Broadband. Their vision is steadfast and fearless, evidenced most recently by Allen’s February 2015 lawsuit against Comcast, which accuses the distributor of denying carriage on account of racial discrimination. In addition to securing distribution this past year, Arouh focused on monetizing the independent’s original movie library.
Allen
I watch most programming on this device: Television
If I had a show on YouTube it would be called… “Byron Allen Unleashed”
Favorite screen: Laptop
The day we get multiplatform measurement is the day I… finally get credit for all the eyeballs I’m delivering.
Apple iWatch or Rolex? Apple iWatch
I wish Congress would just… truly protect independent programmers.
Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat? Instagram
My favorite newfound hobby: Sleeping
If my office produced a viral video, the background music would be… Marvin Gaye
The awards show the industry needs right now is… The Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously Awards
Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with my family
Who’s on deck for the next celebrity meltdown? Any actor who didn’t get a pilot this season
Who’s on tap for the next big comeback? Any actor who DID get a pilot this season
Desert island album: Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On
Favorite TV show as a kid? “Batman”
The last time I had a good laugh was… watching “Comics Unleashed”
Dish I can make and that would impress a celebrity chef: Grilled cheese on whole wheat toast
My favorite business/motivational book: Succeeding Against the Odds: The Autobiography of a Great American Businessman by John H. Johnson
Arouh
I watch most programming on this device: iPad
Should the industry embrace or reject “virtual MSOs” and why? Yes because they embrace independent networks, and the customers will have more product options.
Favorite screen: Big screen
Apple iWatch or Rolex? Rolex
Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat? Twitter
If I ever found myself saying “Better Call Saul,” I’d seek his advice on… MFNs or no MFNs?
Favorite Cable Show memory: FX 1st year anniversary party
Desert island album: Sting – Nothing Like the Sun
Favorite TV show as a kid? “Bewitched”
Dish I can make and that would impress a celebrity chef: Sea bass
