CEOs & Executives Dish Advice at Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame Awards: 'Take Your Boldest Shot'

Last night in Manhattan, the industry’s most notable pioneers were inducted into the 2013 Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. Your friends at MediaJobsDaily (ahem, we're looking at you) conducted exclusive interviews for our faithful readers. Although the recurring themes of staying on top of technology in a constantly changing field certainly resonated, all of the executives had something in common. Two words: executive presence. So, the next time you walk into a room, think about how you can command it without saying a word. Although perhaps the execs weren't as easily recognizable as when Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan walked the red carpet, just by looking at pioneers in the industry, you knew they were each someone special in italics. Let's hear what they have to say about making your mark in the industry we love so much... Dana Walden, chairman and CEO, Twentieth Century Fox Television, on how to have a thriving career spanning several decades: "Of honorees past, I've watched their careers from afar, people I've considered role models and mentors, it's someone who's managed to distinguish themselves in a huge industry with a lot of people doing a lot of smart things. These are the individuals who have been the most dynamic, who have kept their companies on the cutting edge of the media business. I think you have to be open to all of the possibilities that exist in terms of technology and content creation. You have to keep moving forward, keep encouraging bold risks. For us at Twentieth Century Fox television, it's being in business with the best creators and encouraging them to take their boldest shots at creating new shows. To be distinctive, you can't play it safe anymore. It's too crowded in this business." Jon Feltheimer, CEO, Lionsgate, on inspiring others: "My remarks include one line and it's something I learned from my dad which was in every argument both sides can be right and in every deal both sides can win. When people think about that in terms of what the future is, in terms of partnerships and the way that things are changing in the business, we all have to be creative about the deals are doing. If we're cognizant of the fact that we can make the pie bigger, I think we'll all be a lot smarter. We'll make our business far more vibrant." Deborah McDermott, president and CEO, Young Broadcasting LLC on how to have staying power in the business: "I think they should know everything that's going on in the multi-platform arena. Not just to understand it but to have the basics of journalism and the content they're producing. Then you have to know how to apply that to the different mediums and how that's relevant in multi-platforms." Bill Goodwyn, president and CEO, strategic distribution and Discovery Education, Discovery Communications, on how to have a long, successful career in broadcasting: "I would basically have the thought of constant learning because the industry, especially now is changing. It's changing more in the last two years than it's changed in the last 10 years. I think that pace is going to continue so if you think about the industry and if it's going to stand still, you're going to miss the wave. You learn from others, you learn from the trades, read as much as you can, talk to people, ask them for their perspective on how the industry's changing." Tom Rogers, president and CEO, TiVo, Inc. on staying relevant in a changing landscape: "Get comfortable with change. Change is a constant and now more than ever it's technology. Technology is leading the way. Pay attention to what's happening in technology, pay attention to the impact and effect it has on audiences and the way they consume media. I think that's a very good way for you to get along with your career." Randy Falco, president and CEO, Univision Communications, Inc. on the secret to success: "At the end of the day, you take care of the team and the team takes care of you. The team has to stick together." Jo Ann Ross, president, network sales at CBS Television Network on becoming a hall of famer: "I've always been true to myself, I've always been honest with my peers, with my clients, with the people that I work with and for and in this business your word is your bond. That's the most important thing to remember. You just build your reputation by your character."

Fishbowl

CEOs & Executives Dish Advice at Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame Awards: 'Take Your Boldest Shot'

Vicki Salemi

About

Subscriptions

Events

Publications

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

Vicki Salemi