Tag Archives: Brian Roberts

NBC Universal New Leadership Team Are Winners

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We're all waiting in the wings for this acquisition to go through.

I never thought that I would feel this way again about my industry in respect to its management.  But, with the recent announcement of the new NBC Universal Leadership Team by Comcast Corp., I am proud to admit that I am excited about television again.  That’s right. And it feels great.

EXCELLENT LEADERSHIP

Bravo to Comcast Chief Operating Officer Steve Burke on the decisions made in whom will be managing the NBC Universal brand. They have made excellent choices and that’s why I am thrilled.  I became very disillusioned by the former NBC regime and felt that under that respective leadership a quality network, well, became inferior. And I got angry that no one even cared that a network built by people like Brandon Tartikoff and Grant Tinker fell into the hands of executives that seemed to not have the same respect for the medium (that Conan/Jay thing was crazy and never should have happened).

But, that all changed with one announcement that former Showtime President Robert (Bob) Greenblatt will be the new Chairman of NBC Entertainment. I have deep respect for Greenblatt and have followed his career throughout my own.  Bob and I were two of the first people hired when Fox began. I remember bumping into him at the copier machines…I was in publicity and he was in programming.

What I like the most about Greenblatt is the fact that he just loves television. He is passionate about the story and how well it is done. The TV shows that he has developed and produced were significant, unique and game-changing.  He has great TV sense and that is what is needed at NBC.

I wasn’t a fan of NBC, but this season I have been watching it more because of how they re-shaped Thursday night’s comedy block.  Recently I LOVED “The Sing Off.” That show was pure joy. It was full of goodness and kindness and talent! I was so happy to see that mean-spirited judges can get the job done and do it much better.  Amen to that. And even though, I’m a cape twirler myself, I am not a big fan of “The Cape.”

Greenblatt has been behind award-winning programming his entire career. Photo credit: TheDailyBeast

So, with each new announcement it appears that Comcast is inching closer to taking over.  I will truly be happy when the switch is finally thrown.  For in addition to being a fan of Greenblatt’s, I have always been impressed with the integrity in which Ralph and Brian Roberts have run Comcast Corporation.  I also deeply respect the vision and executive leadership of Burke and Jeff Shell. This acquisition is going to be a good thing for everyone who LOVES content, however its delivered whether through TV sets, set top boxes, cable lines or mobile devices.  Comcast will ensure that its integrity will not be compromised.

It’s a win win for American television.

A QUALITY PR DECISION

I also want to applaud NBC’s current decision to forgo an executive session during its Television Critics Association day on Thursday.  That was a wise decision and I think everyone attached to it agrees.  The network is not going to be faulted for not presenting executives who literally any day could be out of their respective offices.  As much as I don’t wish an acquisition on any one (it’s no fun when jobs are lost), but this acquistion will benefit  TV viewers everywhere.  Therefore,  it was actually a very classy move not to subject the outgoing cabinet to questioning at a press conference.

Comcast was present at the tour anyway when the company presented its cable properties January 5. So there’s no duck and cover there.  The executives are front and center and awaiting the day that they will flip that switch.

(Note: As a form of disclosure, I have no business arrangements with Comcast or Robert Greenblatt. My endorsements are made through my personal observations of their work in the entertainment industry.)

Job Search TV Network – The Time Has Come

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Okay, here’s my million dollar TV idea and you are free to steal it if you have the power to make it happen. I don’t that’s why I’m making my plea to you.

With over 15 million people unemployed, I think the time has come for a Job Search TV Channel or Job Search on VOD. Heck, I’ll take just fours hours of programming a week if that’s what is possible at the start.  I whispered this idea to MSNBC’s Chris Matthews and a few others yesterday and they all loved it too.  But, I think it’s high time we help those in desperate need of employment with information that makes them more valuable to the market.

Why?

I’ll tell you why.  As person in transition, I have had the good fortune of being in a outplacement service for six months. At this outplacement service I have learned so much that I would have never thought to do or try in job search.  In addition to this service, I’m also enrolled in government job search programs and have attended some local workshops held at various churches and synagogues.  Yes, even synagogues.

It's Time for Job Search TV Programming

I am impressed that all these outfits are teaching the same fundamentals like:

  • The importance of networking – Since only 3 percent of all jobs are landed online; the rest come from who you know-that’s why LinkedIn is so important.
  • 30-second Elevator speech – If it critical that every person in transition be able to verbally recite who they are and what they are looking for. That way others can see how they can assist.
  • Target Companies - Having a game plan of what companies you would like to work for is a critical step. Without knowing the types of firms you are interested in, it’s harder for others to connect you with others.
  • Trends – It is essential to stay ahead of the curb by knowing what industries are hot for new employees. For instance, healthcare is growing, but mostly in the wellness area.  Knowing the key growth areas is necessary, especially if you are planning on investing in re-training.
  • Finances – Knowing how to stretch your money and keep your house while on EDD are just some of the concerns that the jobless face.  This area alone will drive viewership in droves. Who doesn’t need to tighten belts in this tough economy.
  • Healing - It is common to experience depression and grief when going through a job loss.  Trying to navigate through that wilderness is part of the process toward healing and re-gaining confidence to re-enter the job market.

These are just a few of the subjects that the network could present.  The Job Search TV Network could also delve deeper into providing tips for those unemployed with military backgrounds and those just entering the workforce.

Would the Network be successful? With that many people unemployed in the U.S., I believe the ratings for each show could easily hover around 6 to 7 million if not more.  Also, the network is perfectly primed for sponsors. Companies like Monster, CareerBuilder, The Ladders, immediately come to mind.  And that’s not including financial services and insurance companies, etc.

High ratings, guaranteed advertisers and being the first on the scene are definite pluses with this new enterprise, however, they don’t hold a candle to the goodwill the company will receive for doing so.  Not only will the press jump on board and provide first-rate coverage, but the Government and The White House will also point toward your efforts.

So if you are a major communications corporation or a struggling independent cable network that needs attention, think about this subject.  It’s a win win for all and will help get America back on its feet.

President Obama Will Applaud Job Search Programming

Today, at THE CABLE SHOW executives who can make this happen are here – I just wish my blog had a loud enough voice to truly get some traction on this core subject. Brian Roberts, Jeff Bewkes, Peter Chernin, Les Moonves, Jeff Zucker, Matt Blank, Glenn Britt, Philip Kent, Tony Vinciquerra, David Zaslav -I’d love to talk to you about this subject!

I’d love to hear you thoughts about this type of programming. Would you watch?

Cindy

The Cable Show – Day 1 – A Demanding Bunch, um Brunch

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The NCTA “The Cable Show” started today and first up was the HRTS/NCTA brunch featuring a conversation with Comcast (soon to be owner of NBC Universal) President and CEO Brian Roberts. The event was being moderated by Peter Chernin, a former boss at Fox who’s early beginnings were in the field of publicity. So I’ve always been a fan of Mr. Chernin’s.  And at the press table, I had the honor of sitting next to CableFax’s Michael Grebb and Jeanne Wolf. I couldn’t ask for better company.

Poised for the Future

Roberts took the floor sans Chernin at the beginning to showcase his On-Demand wares. He announced that Comcast will now offer a bazillion of choices with his On-Demand service called Xfinity. They are enlarging their film archives immensely and he showed us how you can navigate and drill down to find what the consumer wants.  You can search by actor’s name, genre, film festival and even donate to a cause by choosing a certain piece of content.

I also was excited to see that he mentioned that he is working with the ipad to showcase content. It was nice to hear him recognize that it’s a relevant content distribution point.

He understands good management is not micro-management

He understands good management is not micro-management

Chernin threw out a heavy piece of artillery at the start. He asked what his disappointments have been. Roberts thought he was a bit slow on the dime in the content area.  He wished he had made investments 20 years ago in cable companies like Turner or Discovery.

Roberts thinks that cable has been under-valued in its contributions to the industry.  In addition for being known for sending a monthly bill, cable has made advancements in content. Who wouldn’t agree to that some of TV’s most memorable shows have come from cable companies.

It was a great that Roberts pointed out that one of its shining examples at his company is Frank Eliason, who heads up ComcastCares.  Frank is a rock star in social media and all those involved in the field, know that he is a trend setter who cares for his customers. It was great to hear Roberts’ recognize his contributions.

I have been around Mr. Roberts before at conferences, but I forgot how much I like him and his demeanor.  I like how relaxed he is as a media mogul.  He could be the neighbor next door. He’s not rushed, pretentious nor reek of the Hollywood power stench – even though he is a leader in entertainment.  Maybe it’s because he runs a family company and his dad is still an ever presence.  But, what I could gather from his comments, simply  is:

-He understands that his success comes in taking care of customers.  He is striving to make new devices easier to use for consumers which I say is brilliant. We’ ve got enough to figure out on own and any help that others give us is welcome.  Smart thinking.

-He also is not going to micro-manage NBC Universal. He’s not going to shove their ways down the new company’s throat.  He knows that each channel has its own distinct brand he’ll leave it at that.

-He knows the company has to transform and will and so he has to be constantly changing and he’s open to it.  A company that creates is what he is excited about.

-NBC News is going to be the cornerstone to the company. He is excited about acquiring it and needs to protect it. NBC News he said will help define Comcast.

Chernin did a nice job moderating the conversation. As a former top executive at News Corp., Chernin knew first-hand some of the struggles Roberts and gang will encounter and tried his best to tip his hat to a few – like angering politicians or consumers with a subject of newscast.

It was the perfect way to kick off the convention – and I’m so glad that Roberts agreed. For is there anything bigger than this acquistion at the moment in cable?

On to the next event.

Cindy