As the chief of data analytics firm 605, former Cablevision exec Dolan is digging deep into the idiosyncrasies of video content consumption. Her team is focused on parsing the scattered measurement landscape, and connecting dots and through-lines that will enable content companies the ability to sell to, and measure, impact on an audience. One big believer is Charter Communications, which this summer made an undisclosed investment in the firm. Under the deal, Charter will supply aggregated data from its set-top boxes; 605 will use its proprietary data infrastructure to enhance Charter ad sales unit Spectrum Reach. Dolan predicts three headline-grabbing topics for the coming year: “The evolution of cross-platform measurement, the growth of audience driven advertising and the opportunity to define a new currency for the television advertising ecosystem. Each of these can have a positive impact on our business and our customers and the industry is right to pay attention,” she says.
Who is your favorite current female TV character and why?
One benefit of this so-called “Golden Age of Television” is the volume of content that features substantive female characters. One of my current favorites is Eleanor Shellstrop, the protagonist on “The Good Place.” She is funny, irreverent, honest, and at the same time self-deprecating and aware of her (many) flaws.
What industry topic do you think will dominate industry headlines in 2018 and why?
We are witnessing a dynamic transformation of the entertainment experience for consumers. Things that have been talked about for years are happening in real-time and will have notable implications on our business models. There are three big headlines: the evolution of cross platform measurement, the growth of audience driven advertising and the opportunity to define a new currency for the television advertising ecosystem. Each of these can have a positive impact on our business and our customers and the industry is right to pay attention.
What is one way the industry can continue to evolve in ridding itself of gender discrimination?
Always hire the best person for the job. It is easy to say, but hard to do. The truth is that once we focus on this simple premise we can pave the way for real progress on gender issues.