Josh Sapan

Years in Cable: 35

Education: BA, University of Wisconsin

Not only has AMC Networks flourished under Sapan’s guidance, the company has become a powerhouse brand that has redefined the basic cable landscape. AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” now in its seventh season, is celebrating a fifth consecutive season as TV’s top series, and its “Talking Dead” after-show is currently TV’s top-rated talk show. Yet it was BBC America’s “Orphan Black” star Tatiana Maslany who walked away with the Emmy for outstanding actress in a drama series. IFC showcases some of the world’s top comedic talent, and AMC Networks’ acquisition of a minority stake in Funny or Die should lead to fruitful collaborations across both brands. SundanceTV and WE tv also had banner years under Sapan’s steady hand, with SundanceTV growing to reach 66 million homes since AMC acquired it and WE tv steadily growing viewership with new series such as “Mama June: From Not to Hot.”

Q&A

My OTT prediction is… new content formats developed for new technological capabilities.

What product or service could you not live without? High speed broadband.

Last show I watched not on my networks: “Legion” on FX; “Casual” on Hulu

Favorite podcast: “Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin”

Honored For: