Salaam Coleman Smith

Smith seems right at home in her new Family. ABC Family continues to grow beyond the success of “Pretty Little Liars” and “Switched at Birth” with 2013’s “The Fosters,” and this summer’s “Chasing Life.” Smith knows a strategic social media plan helped ABC Family become the second-highest rated basic cable network among women 18-34, and she plans to up the game even further. “The network’s innovative way of communicating with our viewers on social media has had amazing results,” she says. What else does she have her eye on? Authentication and millennial adoption of TV Everywhere.

How can the cable industry do better in the area of inclusiveness?   

We should deepen our commitment to existing organizations that have long track record of fostering diversity in cable and bolster existing programs that nurture diverse creative talent and diverse business executives.

 What’s been your company’s biggest innovation this year?

ABC Family is the No. 2 highest-rated basic cable network among W18-34 and is a social media powerhouse.  The network’s innovative way of communicating with our viewers on social media has had amazing results, with hit scripted show Pretty Little Liars achieving the distinction as the most tweeted, pinned and instagramed scripted series in all of TV (not just cable).  The strength and scale of our young adult audience and our continued innovation will cement ABC Family’s dominance across multiple platforms.

Name one emerging trend in cable we should all have our eyes on.

Authentication and Millennial Adoption of TV Everywhere.