Frances Berwick & Chris McCumber
Frances Berwick
Title: President, NBCUniversal Lifestyle Networks
Years in Cable: 20
Education: MA, Modern Language, Edinburgh University
Chris McCumber
Title: President, Entertainment Networks, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment
Years in Cable: 26
Education: BA, Government & Law, Lafayette College
One Word that Best Describes Me: Optimistic
Berwick wears well her role leading NBCU’s Lifestyle networks. In the two years since she was elevated to the job, Bravo, E!, Esquire and Oxygen have accelerated their upward trajectories. Bravo and E! are now soaring in the scripted realm, with Bravo recently giving “Girlfriends Guide To Divorce” a rare three-season pickup and “The Royals” ushering in a new crowd of devotees at E!. McCumber, fresh off big success with “Mr. Robot,” was promoted in February to lead NBCU’s Entertainment networks—USA, Syfy, Chiller and Cloo. He’s bringing his magic to the suite, working to streamline processes that maximize better creativity and efficiency at the networks.
Frances Berwick
The biggest innovation in cable over the last year: Comcast’s “talking guide,” which is voice-enabled TV
Virtual reality is: an excellent way to immerse viewers even more in our aspirational lifestyles. New series Below Deck Med has a virtual reality component that makes you feel like you are in the Greek islands getting splashed by the crew.
Last show I watched not on my network(s): “Magicians” on Syfy
What was your first job? Working in a ballet and opera theater raising production sponsorship.
“Star Trek” celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. So if Mr. Spock’s motto is “Live Long and Prosper,” mine is… Work hard and have a good time, or do something else
My cable industry mentor and why: Bonnie Hammer – consistently fair, innovative, honest and fun.
Hoverboard, driverless car or drone: Driverless car
I watch the majority of programming on this device: iPad mini
My personal theme song is: “Dog Days Are Over”
My Starbucks order: Grande latte
Chris McCumber
Last show I watched not on my network(s): “Peaky Blinders”
My first job: Lifeguard
If this election year was a reality TV series, it would be called… “The Biggest Loser”
Name of my favorite Spotify playlist: Discover Weekly
New favorite binge: “The Magicians” on Syfy
Favorite Podcast: “WTF” with Marc Maron
Favorite vacation spot: I have three: Turks and Caicos, Deer Valley, Martha’s Vineyard
My typical breakfast is: 3 eggs over easy, bacon, grapefruit slices, coffee