John Hsu

Recently promoted to his new role, Hsu wasted no time in getting to work. He has completed the refinancing of AMC Networks’ $700 million senior subordinated notes and spearheaded the company’s first-ever stock share buyback. Hsu is an influential member of the leadership team that has successfully charted the transformation to a leading content company. The savvy exec advises keeping an eye on OTT in the future. “Hulu is now transitioning from an ad-supported business to a pure subscription one,” Hsu says. “There will be a rush for traditional networks to embrace OTT.”

What television show/s – cable or broadcast – best embrace diversity?
“Black-ish.” It’s the first minority show that really breaks from stereotypes. The show is uplifting and breaks television minority traditions.

What grade do you give the cable industry on diversity and why?
I think minorities are still relatively under-represented in the upper-echelons of management.  I think the industry has been great through efforts of NAMIC and other industry organizations, but there’s still a long way to go.

The technology that will most benefit cable over the next year is…
Next year will the year of OTT. Hulu is now transitioning from an ad supported business to a pure subscription one. There will be a rush for traditional cable networks to embrace OTT. I think in 2017, you will start to see the winners separate from the pack.