December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 26. Dollar Bill: Bill Goodwyn

Bill Goodwyn
Title: President, Domestic Distribution & Enterprises, Discovery
Last Year: #18
Age: Old enough to color my hair
Education: U of N Carolina, BA

Why Him? Planet Green and its HD simulcast launched during the summer, and both are gaining nice traction, owing to Goodwyn’s M.O. of targeting mass distribution as early as possible. Plus, the HD simulcasts of established Discovery nets are approaching carriage numbers equal to their SD feeds. Goodwyn accomplishes all this with what Discovery says is one of the smallest affiliate sales groups around, a by-product of his focus on and talent for educating reps about the importance of balanced partnerships.

Worth Watching: When the Oprah Winfrey Network launches in late ’09, will Goodwyn find it an easy or difficult sell?

Year Ahead:
Oprah’s popularity may be waning, but she continues to wield media clout.

Restaurant: Comcast Center Cafeteria

Drink: Coffee (and lots of it)

Best Business Advice Received: A useless life is an early death

Philosophy of Life: Manage the business, not your career; if you do that wisely, your career should take care of itself.

Favorite Word: Bull

Least Favorite: Bear

I Wish My Kids Would: Eat something other than pizza and macaroni & cheese

Traits I Most Admire: Integrity and character

Favorite Sports Team: UNC Tar Heels

CH

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