Rob Simmelkjaer

Simmelkjaer manages a collection of NBC Sports properties within the group, including NBC Sports Radio, the Spartan Race, Motocross and the Red Bull Signature series. He also heads up the acquisition and distribution of global media rights. Equally at ease in front of and behind the camera, Simmelkjaer is also an on-air contributor across multiple NBCU platforms—NBC Sports, NBCSN, CNBC and more. He believes more progress should be made in the industry to foster diversity “at the upper echelons of management.” Regarding technology, he thinks VR has the potential to revolutionize viewing. “But it is more than a year away,” so over the next year “improved and expended streaming options provided by MVPDs” will benefit cable the most, he says.

What grade do you give the cable industry on diversity and why?
A lot of progress has been made but more work remains, especially at the upper echelons of management.

The technology that will most benefit cable over the next year is…
VR has the potential to revolutionize viewing, but it is more than a year away. So I would say improved and expanded streaming options provided be MVPDs.

What are the television show/s – cable or broadcast – best embrace diversity?
“Black-ish” and NBC Olympics

My personal election campaign slogan would be…
Let’s Get Real.

Favorite charity organization you work with?
The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence and Child Center of NY