December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 29. Insightful: Michael Willner

Michael Willner
Title: Vice Chairman/CEO, Insight
Last Year: #28
Age: 56½
Ed: Boston U, BS, Communications

Why Him? Insight was cut in half when Comcast took over systems serving some 690K subs in IL and IN. But despite his company falling to #10 in the rankings of operators by size, Willner continues to have big pull within the industry. And you can’t ignore Insight’s growth. It even added basic subs (3.8K in 2Q was its best ever). Free cash flow for ’07 totaled $82.5mln after being negative in ’06.

Tech-No-Cat: Willner’s appeal goes beyond numbers. He’s got a blog (www.michaelsinsight.com/) and frequents techie message boards. It seems he’s everywhere, and almost never says no to requests — he’s chairing The Cable Show, co-chaired Kaitz and got suckered into a 2nd term as NCTA chair a few years ago.

Proud Moment: Willner was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame this year and received Cable Positive’s Leadership Award.

Year Ahead:
It’s not time for a For Sale sign, and probably not great timing for acquisitions. Expect Willner to keep minding the store and growing organically.

Favorite Food: Anything from Italy

Unnecessary Luxury I Like Most Is: My view of Times Sq from my desk

Favorite Part of My Job: Blogging

Worst Part: Watching Wall St

Cable’s Biggest Challenge: Improving customer service standards

I Wish My Kids Would: Get jobs

The Trait You Most Admire In People: Telling it as they see it, no matter what.

Hero: My wife, for putting up with me

Best Business Advice Received: “Be nimble and clever”  Sid Knafel 2007

My Philosophy Of Life Is: Always learn new things

Favorite Sports Team: 1) New York Giants   2) New York Giants   3) New York Giants

Favorite Restaurant: Ouest, NY, NY

Drink of Choice: Grey Goose, Rocks, No Fruit

Last Book Read: The Post American World

AM

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