Peter Faricy, Discovery

Years in Industry: 15+

Education: MBA with Distinction, University of Michigan. BA in Business, Michigan State University

It’s never a dull deals moment for Campbell at Discovery, and 2019 was no different. This past year Campbell helped lead the formation of the joint venture between the company and Chip and Joanna Gaines, forming the Magnolia network, as well as the acquisition of Golf Digest, the global content partnership with BBC, and the large investment into Group Nine Media. Under Faricy, Discovery launched its first DTC product in the US, Food Network Kitchen, with 10 daily live cooking classes and 19K on-demand classes.

The COVID-19 pandemic forever changed my perspective on:
The ability to work from anywhere.

How has the pandemic shaped the industry’s future?
It has materially increased the growth rate of streaming services.

Number of subscriptions to streaming services:
Given my role, I subscribe to nearly all of them!

What about travel used to annoy you but that now you actually miss?
The stimulation of being in a different city each week.

The future of broadband is…
Very bright. Consumers value fast internet speed more than ever.

Last content I streamed:
“The Last Dance.” The Bad Boys did not get a fair shake! (I am from Detroit)

Is cable recession proof?
Not with the value of streaming services.

The first thing I’ll do when I’m back in the office is…
Wipe everything down

My prediction for AVODs is…
Many consumers prefer AVOD services, so the ad-supported model for content is here to stay.

Without sports on TV, I have…
Increased my reading, exercise and eating!

When restaurants open back up, my first stop will be…
El Gaucho (big steak house in Seattle)

My prediction for a new business or product that could emerge from the pandemic is…
Food Network Kitchen emerges as the go to streaming app for both great TV shows and engaging cooking classes.

“Tiger King” is a thing because…
The story telling is compelling and the participants are so “unique”.

If I launched my own personal streaming service, it would be called….
Peter’s Positive Place (3P)

Working from home has taught me…
To be grateful for our family’s health and happiness

Biggest challenge facing advertising?
Improving the ROI for every ad dollar on TV.

Last show binged not on your networks:
“The Last Dance”

What product could you not live without?
Outside of our Discovery Apps, Spotify and Peloton.

 

Honored For: