Sean Cohan

Cohan’s world just keeps expanding, along with that of A+E Nets. Today, the company operates 54 branded international channels and distributes a 10,000-hour library across more than 150 territories and 37 languages. Cohan oversees the entire International division, managing all brands, content and services outside the U.S. This year, he’s been particularly proud of A+E Networks’ storytelling prowess, evidenced in History’s “The World Wars,” and Lifetime’s “Flowers in the Attic” and “Petals in the Wind.” He’s also keeping an eye on what he sees as a trend in the convergence of global tastes around shows such as “Pawn Stars.”

What qualities do you look for when making a new hire?  

Former NY mayor Michael Bloomberg recently said of himself, “I’m not the smartest guy, but I can outwork you.  It’s the one thing I can control.” That resonates with our team.  We look for candidates who are hard-working, resourceful, passionate, adaptable, personable, and self-aware.

Company’s biggest innovation….

Has been unique, groundbreaking content and storytelling in 2014 and every year–it is our focus.  Examples this year include: History’s cinematic, Emmy-nominated, internationally co-produced docudrama “The World Wars,” which tells the story of two global conflicts as one long war; Lifetime’s “Flowers in the Attic” and “Petals in the Wind,” which have redefined the standard for made-for-TV movies; or FYI’s Tiny “House Nation,” which reflects an original approach to lifestyle storytelling.

One emerging trend….

It seems a bit obvious by now, but of note are the many forms of globalization in our industry.  Global tastes are continuing to converge somewhat around shows like our “Pawn Stars” or AMC’s “Walking Dead”; more great ideas and content embraced in the US are originated and/or financed from abroad; and increased exposure to markets outside the US is becoming very important for many content and tech companies and their investors.