Matthew C. Blank

Matt Blank
Title: Chairman & CEO, Showtime Networks
Years in Cable: 39
Education: University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business

Showtime has been cranking out the hits lately. And under Blank’s stewardship, the home of “Homeland,” “The Affair” and other coveted original shows is now available via authentication service Showtime Anytime to more than 90 percent of subscribers. Blank is also upping the network’s presence in the boxing ring, with several matches featuring Floyd Mayweather and others on the 2015 slate. And distribution growth remains a priority for this savvy exec, with a new carriage deal with DISH, and expansion of the brand into the Canadian market.

I watch most programming on this device: Television
Should the industry embrace or reject “virtual MSOs” and why? Embrace. Competition will make everyone better, and consumers ultimately get what they want.
If I had a show on YouTube it would be called…SHOTube
Favorite Screen: iPad
The day we get multiplatform measurement is the day I… That day is now. We measure across platforms – On Demand, replays, L+7, Showtime Anytime, etc.
If my office produced a viral video, the background music would be…  Maroon 5
The technology that will most benefit cable over the next year is: Search and early release VOD
Favorite vacation spot: Italy
Favorite TV show as a kid? “Man from U.N.C.L.E.”
My favorite business/motivational book: The Tipping Point