December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 7. Pop Rock: Tony Vinciquerra

Tony Vinciquerra
Title: Chairman/CEO, Fox Networks Group
Last Year: #21
Age: Old enough to know better
Education: State U of NY at Albany, BA

Why Him? Vinciquerra may be one of cable’s most understated execs. Yet his burgeoning network portfolio is anything but. Recently it helped offset maladies at other News Corp segments as it delivered some 28% revenue growth and 18% profit rise in fiscal ’08. During the latest Q it reported a 33% jump in operating profit (excluding Fox News), thanks to increased contributions from RSNs and Fox Intl Channels. The newest members, Big Ten Net and Fox Business, are beginning to improve financially too.

Proud Moment: When Big Ten Net and Comcast agreed to a distribution deal in June. Before then, Big Ten Net had been enduring a rocky road to carriage, particularly among cable ops. That changed when Comcast signed.

Year Ahead:
The advertising market is difficult, but hefty investments in Big Ten and Fox Business are largely in the past.

Trait I Most Admire in People: Objectivity

Least Favorite Phrase: We already tried that

I Wish My Kids Would: Not bring so many colds home

Favorite Part of My Job: Helping executives develop

Favorite Show Not on My Network: The Office

CH

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