Charley Humbard

Title: Founder/CEO, UP Entertainment
Years in Cable: 33
Education: Daily!
Best Advice: Find the Lord before you need him.

Bradley J. Siegel

Title: Vice Chairman, UP Entertainment
Years in Cable: 26
Education: BA Washington University
Best Advice: Your passions, not money, should drive career.

Humbard has never feared change. And in just 90 days last summer, the former Gospel Music Channel changed its name to UP and quickly became one of the fastest growing ad-supported cable networks among women and African-Americans. A big reason for the success stems from Siegel and the sales team riding their branded Upfront bus to seven markets in six weeks, using the mobile venue for 100-plus client and agency meetings with more than 1,000 advertiser and agency executives attending. Things keep looking up: distribution hit 65 million households, ratings increased 29% in the demo W25-54, even digital growth is up. The network’s Uplift Someone social initiative’s Top Secret Santa campaign benefited 10 families in need.

Humbard

I wish Congress would just… stop it already!

Frank Underwood or Nick Brody? Walter White

Favorite Cable Show memory: Gospel Music Channel Choir breaking the rules and marching through the hall singing.

Oscars or Grammys? Grammys, performances vs. just self-gratifying speeches.

Favorite vacation spot: Wherever there are no communications devices.

Beach or mountains? Mountains

My favorite business/motivational book: Rework

Siegel

I watch the majority of programming on this device: Sony 55” 4K

TV show I’d most like to have a cameo in: “Chicago Fire”

John, Paul, George or Ringo? John

I wish Congress would just… all get fired.

Twitter or Instagram? Instagram

One thing I would do all the time if I could: Eat

Oscars or Grammys? Grammys

Favorite Restaurant: Elio’s, NYC

Favorite vacation spot: Sagaponic, NYC

Beach or mountains? Beach

Alec Baldwin.. NY or LA? NY

Who’s on tap for the next big comeback? Mel Gibson

Desert island album: Steely Dan, Aja

Favorite TV show as a kid: “Little Rascals”

The last time I had a good laugh: Valentine’s Day, Tommy Blaze at The Punchline, Atlanta.

Dish I can make and that would impress a celebrity chef: Linguini with clams and artichokes

My favorite business/motivational book: Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind, by Al Ries and Jack Trout

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Imagine Communications CEO Tom Cotney announced he’ll retire effective March 31. He’ll stick around, however, as the non-executive chairman of the board, where he’ll support customer commitments, advise

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Cablefax 100 Awards Nominations Open November 13th, 2024.
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