December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 25. Positive Art: Josh Sapan

Josh Sapan
Title: CEO, Rainbow Media
Last Year: #32
Age: 57
Education: U of WI

Why Him? We don’t get the sense that Sapan is a micromanager, so we’re thinking his team deserves the kudos for Mad Men, basic cable’s first series to capture a best drama Emmy. But credit Sapan for assembling that team and shaping Rainbow’s vision. Sapan’s also a leader in day-and-date windows for VOD. Two years ago, he launched IFC’s day/date service, "In Theaters." Now in more than 45mln cable HHs, IT releases 24 films/year simultaneously in theaters and VOD. Sapan’s empire grew in ’08 with the $496mln acquisition of Sundance, making Rainbow the world’s largest aggregator of independent and specialty films. And a plug for Sapan’s art-from-the-trash collection, whose proceeds often go to Cable Positive. We’re just a bit insulted our doodles haven’t found their way to his walls yet.

Worth Watching: We’re curious to see what Sapan does with Sundance, but watch the globe, too, as Rainbow plans to launch its first European channel in ’09.

Year Ahead:
There are few ways to top having the first basic cable series to win a best drama Emmy.

Favorite Restaurant:  Home

Favorite Show Not On My Network: This American Life

In ’09 I Resolve To: Stop digging through garbage looking for art

Best Business Advice Received: Take three & let the next one go by (Casey Stengel)

I Wish My Kids Would: Look up from the TV when I come home

My Least Favorite Word: Incentivize

Favorite Sports Team:  Knicks

Last Book Read: Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris

AM

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