Mark Garner

A leading TV Everywhere expert, this year Garner took on the added responsibilities of digital content distribution and strategy within A+E Nets’ digital media group. He’s the man who ensures that the company is on the forefront of new opportunities and experiences for TVE, OTT and VOD in the realms of distribution, marketing, product development and analytics. No small task, mind you. He’s particularly proud of his recent foray into digital media, as it’s afforded him “the opportunity to get a broader view of where growth and innovation in our industry are taking hold.”

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

In my Distribution role at A+E Networks, I’ve long had the privilege of working in partnership with various functions within our business.  During the past year, my role was expanded and I now have the pleasure of working in both Distribution and Digital Media.  Working in Digital Media has afforded me the opportunity to get a broader view of where growth and innovation in our industry are taking hold.

Best business advice you’ve received?

During a session at NAMIC’s Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP), one of the lecturers, Dr. Price Cobbs, spoke about exercising personal power and professional accountability.  Understanding exactly what that meant in theory and in practice for an executive of color, and leveraging them into practice for the benefit of one’s success and those for whom you have responsibility, was probably the most valuable advice I’d ever received.

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

Consumers continue to be the biggest story in cable, as they have always been.  Consumer preferences are dynamic and forcing all of us to step up our game.