Cutting deals in this environment is tougher than ever, but Miles has steadily expanded distribution for these independent Black-owned networks. Recent wins include launches of CLEO on Mediacom, Astound Broadband and MCTV as well as partnerships with Vizio, Amazon and Pluto TV. Miles is a fixture in the industry, popping up at nearly every event in the business—from small regional shows to The Independent Show, as he works to expand a family- and minority-owned television programmer internationally, nationally, in rural markets and through FAST and OTT offerings.
What’s your boldest prediction about the industry in the next 10 years? The cable industry will be synonymous with the music industry, where we have a completely different business model, and all content will exist on a few OS platforms. DTC will be huge and tied to live content, and aggregation will be key for content platforms to be viable. The network effect will be key for all content programmers.
Advice I would give a recent graduate: Focus on your brand and how you’d like to represent it. You are more advantageous in a world where integrity, respect, and a holistic view are vital when partnering with clients or colleagues. These are the qualities that will aid you through any disruption or volatility.
Who is an unsung DEI hero? James Baldwin was a true unsung for diversity, equity, and inclusion in black culture. His famous quote, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced,” has deeply resonated with me and has been a guiding force in many aspects of my life. I perceive James Baldwin as more than just a writer; he was a social psychologist, delving into the impact of social structures on personal and collective experiences. He proved that how we see ourselves and our surroundings is just as important, if not more so, than our social standing. Instead of being defined by his identity, Baldwin used it as a tool to shape his life, offering invaluable insights into the world. His perspective challenges us to reevaluate our identities, motivations, and convictions.