Named to his current post just a year ago, King already has made his mark not only in terms of expanding sports-themed storytelling and news content across all ESPN platforms, but by promoting three women into leadership roles. Of today’s audience, he says they expect immediate and personalized content: “There is no mass audience anymore. There’s a massive audience of individuals seeking to be served anytime, anywhere.”

A February 2018 UCLA study revealed that of the 45 new scripted shows approved for 2017-18 across broadcast, cable and digital platforms, only four were from creators of color, all of whom were black. What is your reaction to this report?
We all have a lot of work still to do.

What’s a recent example of a step forward for diversity in the industry?
I love a couple of things I saw Marvel Studios do in the last year: the incredibly diverse crew behind Black Panther assembled by director Ryan Coogler, and the array of female directors who combined for the second season of Jessica Jones.

What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs. three years ago?
The audience’s expectation of immediate, on-demand, personalized content. There is no mass audience anymore. There’s a massive audience of individuals seeking to be served anytime, anywhere.

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