John Hsu

Hsu oversees corporate business development, evaluates business opportunities and has a hand in risk management, forecasting and M&A. As such, he led the valuation team in negotiating the acquisition of AMC’s 49.9% interest in BBC America and advised on the acquisition of Chellomedia, now AMC Networks International, as well as AMC Ventures’ digital investments in DramaFever Corporation. When it comes to the BBCA acquisition, Hsu says it “represented the best of AMC Networks with executives from all departments pitching in and solving what seemed like daily challenges.”

What’s your biggest professional accomplishment in the past 12 months?

The BBC AMERICA joint venture.  The negotiations took almost 17 months to complete.  The transaction represented the best of AMC Networks with executives from all departments pitching in and solving what seemed likely daily challenges.  Additionally, during the discussions, we completed the transition and integration of Chellomedia into AMC Networks International concurrently.

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

Consolidation.   The distribution universe today is dramatically different from a year ago.  The rush into consolidation provides both opportunities and risks for programmers.  In a constantly changing environment that includes increased distributor concentration and shifting consumer viewing habits, the best way to stay relevant is to invest in original content.

How do you define diversity?

Diversity is more than background and race.  It’s about giving voice to people with differentiating views.  We need to empower people to speak their views, even if it’s contrarian, in order to stay relevant in the changing economic and demographic environment we operate in.