Responsible for aligning business development and distribution efforts, McIlvain in the past year oversaw the launch of the company’s third linear network, Hallmark Drama. She spearheaded distribution efforts that brought the service to reach nearly 10 million homes in just three months. Additionally, McIlvain and her team signed agreements with DISH and Altice. “As a whole, the media industry does better than most, but not as good as some, in its support of women,” she says. “In some respects, there is still an ‘old boys club’ mentality, but media companies seem to recognize the value and perspective that women executives provide.”
What’s a recent example of a step forward for women in the media industry?
I am not sure of any specific examples, but I think as a whole, the media industry does better than most, but not as good as some, in its support of women. In some respects, there is still an “old boys club” mentality, but media companies seem to recognize the value and perspective that women executives provide and increasingly there are more women in high-level executive and board positions. I am proud to work for Crown Media where 4 out of 6 of the company’s EVPs are women.
Who is an inspirational woman you admire, and why?
RBG. Why? Resilience.
What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs. three years ago?
The proliferation of content distribution via the Internet and the overwhelming number of choices consumers are trying to navigate.
