Glenn Beck, Keith Clinkscales, Isaac Lee, Robert Rodriguez, Ehab Al-Shihabi & Evan Shapiro
Glenn Beck
Title: Founder/Owner, TheBlaze
Years in Cable: 7
Education: High school
Keith Clinkscales
Title: CEO, REVOLT Media & TV
Years in Cable: 8
Education: BS, Florida A&M University, Magna Cum Laude; MBA, Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration
Best Advice: “As the rhythm’s designed to bounce, what counts—is that the rhyme is designed to fill your mind.” – Chuck D of Public Enemy, Fight the Power.
Isaac Lee
Title: CEO, Fusion; President, Univision News
Years in Cable: 2
Education: Journalism
Best Advice: Great men take great risks.
Robert Rodriguez
Title: Founder/Chairman, El Rey Network & Filmmaker
Years in Cable: 1
Education: Bachelor’s in Radio, TV and Film, University of Texas, Austin
Best Advice: Don’t think outside the box, break the box (see that’s 8 words).
Ehab Al-Shihabi
Title: Interim CEO, Al Jazeera America; Executive Director of International Operations, Al Jazeera
Years in Cable: 5
Education: MBA, Georgetown University
Evan Shapiro
Title: President, Pivot (and chief cheerleader for Generation Y)
Years in Cable: 13
Education: College dropout
Best Advice: When you speak, say SOMETHING.
These six individuals exemplify the independent spirit and focused approach of today’s emerging networks. Each has a clear vision knows how to reach his core audience and embodies the passion required to excite and inspire. Some are breaking barriers, others are breaking news, but all are committed to bringing new voices to the cable growing cable landscape.
Beck
I watch the majority of programming on this device: My iPad
TV show I’d most like to have a cameo in: “Downton Abbey” or “Sherlock Holmes.” Just not as a dead guy.
Twitter or Instagram? Twitter
My favorite newfound hobby: Serious American history. And bookbinding.
One thing I would do all the time if I could: Laugh
The technology that will most benefit cable over the next year is: Second screen. But you should ask someone smarter than me!
Dish I can make and that would impress a celebrity chef: Grand Marnier Soufflé
My favorite business/motivational book: Winners Never Cheat by Jon Huntsman Sr.
Clinkscales
I watch the majority of programming on this device: iPhone, I’ll gravitate toward the “best available” device when I really have to see something
TV show I’d most like to have a cameo in: “Better Call Saul”
John, Paul, George or Ringo? Paul. He came to our private Drake concert in January and we highly respect his success and influence.
The technology that will most benefit cable over the next year is: (Free) wifi everywhere
My favorite business/motivational book: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
If someone forced me to cut the cord and only watch 3 over-the-top shows, they would be: “House of Cards” (twice) and “Orange Is the New Black”
Lee
The biggest innovation in cable over the last year: Aside from Fusion? I think it has to be the way some networks are using Twitter to encourage appointment viewing. In the age of the DVR that’s no small accomplishment.
TV show I’d most like to have a cameo in: “Game of Thrones”!
John, Paul, George or Ringo? Does anyone ever pick George?
I wish Congress would just… pass immigration reform.
Frank Underwood or Nick Brody? Frank Underwood
Twitter or Instagram? Instagram
My favorite newfound hobby: I can’t wait to have time for hobbies.
One thing I would do all the time if I could: Play with my dog, Chocolate
The technology that will most benefit cable over the next year is: Mobile streaming.
Favorite Cable Show memory: The last scene of “The Sopranos”
Rodriguez
I watch the majority of programming on this device: My 85-inch plasma TV
TV show I’d most like to have a cameo in: I’d go back in time and be in “The Twilight Zone.”
Twitter or Instagram?: Twitter, follow me @Rodriguez
One thing I would do all the time if I could: Create! (and I do. Not by finding time, but by making time).
Favorite Restaurant: Fresas in Austin, Texas
Favorite vacation spot: Careyes Mexico
Beach or mountains? Beach
Desert island album: Zenyatta Mondatta
Favorite TV show as a kid: “Fantasy Island”
The last time I had a good laugh: Any time I’m with my kids. I have 5 comedians in the house.
Dish I can make and that would impress a celebrity chef: I love making my famous homemade pizza and Ravioli for friends, collaborators, and family, I can also make a mean Puerco Pibil and awesome breakfast tacos.
My favorite business/motivational book: Start With Why
Shapiro
I watch the majority of programming on this device: TV
TV show I’d most like to have a cameo in: “True Detective”
John, Paul, George or Ringo? George Martin
Cable exec I’d most like to see twerking: Roger Ailes
Cable exec I’d least like to see twerking: Roger Ailes
Frank Underwood or Nick Brody? Neither. Jed Bartlet
Twitter or Instagram? Twitter, I am an addict.
My favorite newfound hobby: Twitter, I am an addict.
One thing I would do all the time if I could: Can’t answer in print.
The technology that will most benefit cable over the next year is: Cable itself. We need to become our own disruptors.
Favorite Cable Show memory: Can’t answer in print.
Justin Bieber or Miley? Britney, Bitch.
Oscars or Grammys? Emmys (second place: Tonys)
Favorite vacation spot: Italy
Beach or mountains? Beach
Alec Baldwin… NY or LA? NYC (though LA is growing on me).
Who’s on deck for the next celebrity meltdown? Honey Boo Boo
Who’s on tap for the next big comeback? Henry Winkler
Desert island album? Tie: White Album and Hotel California.
Favorite TV show as a kid? “SNL”
The last time I had a good laugh: Reading these questions.
Dish I can make and that would impress a celebrity chef: Cereal: my blend of Life and Cheerios–spectacular. Coincidentally, my autobiography will also be named Life and Cheerios.
My favorite business/motivational book: Tie: First 90 Days (Watkins), The Television Will Be Revolutionized (Lotz)
