Tamara Franklin

Scripps had robust online presence before most other networks realized the value of interactive and digital content, and Franklin has pushed the company’s lifestyle content to new heights. She also helped guide Scripps’ successful launch of TV Everywhere. Franklin says the future largely hinges on consumers’ buying power. “We need to be more consumer-focused than ever before,” she says. “This means quicker response times and product cycles, increased focus on service levels, deeper degrees of engagement, and more openness to choice and personalization. For many organizations in the industry, moving forward success will demand significant changes in people, process and culture to adequately address these shifts.”

What’s the definition of diversity in 2014, and how can the cable industry do better in the area of inclusiveness?

Even in 2014 any definition of diversity would still have to include race and gender as, while much progress has been made, much more is required.  Having said that, I have always encouraged our industry to also be very mindful of diversity of thought.  We tend to be somewhat insular, and in an industry undergoing such tumult and disruption, new perspectives and experiences are critical in terms of ability to manage through the chaos.

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

When I am seeking a qualified candidate, about 60% of the assessment is about the current role, but 40% of the assessment criteria has to do with the individual’s ability to grow into roles of greater and broader responsibility.  It is about their resilience, agility and EQ, which speaks, ultimately, to their staying power.

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

The buying power of the consumer.  It is a buyer’s market, and we need to be more consumer-focused than ever before.  This means quicker response times and product cycles, increased focus on service levels, deeper degrees of engagement, and more openness to choice and personalization.  For many organizations in the industry, moving forward success will demand significant changes in people, process and culture to adequately address these shifts.