Eileen O’neill

O’Neill added oversight of the Science and Velocity Networks to her portfolio in February and plans to grow the outlets into household names, while continuing to bolster Discovery’s reach. Following 2013’s “Skywire Live with Nik Wallenda,” which provided Discovery its top-rated special in 13 years, O’Neill spearheaded November’s “Nik Wallenda’s Skyscraper Live” event and will lead Discovery’s move into even more live events in the future. The 20-year Discovery vet has a nifty way of getting away during downtime: “I heard having your spouse/partner hold on to your Blackberry during weekends helps.”

How can cable do better job at supporting the industry’s women?

Steer and support, through education programs, women in to less traditional/expected roles of marketing, human resources and communications.

 What’s been the biggest story in cable this year?

The ratings, bottom fell out of repeats (a staple for cable nets) due to random access audience behavior – DVRs, Online, etc.

 How do you define a successful career?

Delivering multiple hits.

 Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?

I heard having your spouse/partner hold on to your Blackberry during weekends helps.

When not in the office, where are we most likely to find you?

Home with family or at the Gentle Giant Draft Horse Rescue Farm.