Theano Apostolou

EVP, Communicationa, Starz Entertainment

With programming including “Outlander,” “Black Sails,” “Flesh and Bone,” “Power,” “Survivor’s Remorse” and “The Girlfriend Experience” and new series “American Gods” to promote, Apostolou’s job as the chief press officer and spokesperson for the company—including corporate communications; international, affiliate and external affairs, program publicity, talent relations and awards campaigns—is never dull.  This past awards season, she guided Starz to its first-ever awards recognition with 10 Golden Globe and 24 Emmy nominations. “Women working in cable are in a very unique position,” she says. “We have a large platform to make a lot of noise and institute change.

Which sector of the cable industry best demonstrates gender equality? Which could use some enlightenment?

There is still a significant gender and diversity gap in executive leadership across almost all industries. However, women working in cable are in a very unique position. We have a large platform to a lot of noise and institute change.

Which current programming best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why? 

Claire Fraser, the lead character of our series “Outlander,” reflects the kind of storytelling I think many, many women want to see more of in television and film.  I remember binge watching the early cuts of our first season and remarking to myself “I am so PROUD to watch this character.” Even though it’s a period piece, there’s nothing anachronistic about Claire. She is a modern woman in every sense of the word and watching her story is incredibly empowering.

What’s been the biggest story in cable this year?

The biggest cable story of 2016 may end up being the role cable news played in the 2016 election. Ratings-driven reporting in the election cycle may be scrutinized for quite some time.