Cohan seals deals from India to the UK, but he believes charity begins at home. As a board member of the Opportunity Network, which provides opportunities to youth in New York City neighborhoods, Cohan strives to create tomorrow’s success stories. Day to day, he oversees all the international channels, as well as the worldwide distribution of a 16,000-hour library. Through his leadership and teamwork, A+E’s digital and international businesses have delivered consistent sustained growth. “Work hard to be great at what you do and to drive impact to your business,” the new dad advises newcomers to cable and media. “Stay true to yourself, different from the next person, and humble. And find some wise folks to learn from!”
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?
Sigh. In 2018, still have a long way to go.
What’s your best advice to someone just entering the video content/distribution industry?
Work hard to be great at what you do and to drive impact to your business. Stay true to yourself, different from the next person, and humble. And find some wise folks to learn from!
What’s been the most dramatic change in your sector of the business today vs. three years ago?
Spirited competition for consumers’ attention and the frenetic pace of business change.
