December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 36. Obama’s Coattails: Doug Herzog

Doug Herzog
Title: Pres, MTV Nets Ent Group
Last Year: #22
Age: 49
Education: Emerson College

Why Him? Herzog’s longtime baby, Comedy Central, has done well this election cycle, thanks to Jon Stewart’s cutting, exasperated coverage of the campaign. The Daily Show delivered its biggest audience ever Oct 29 (averaging 3.6mln total viewers), thanks to an appearance by Barack Obama. Comedy president Michele Ganeless, who reports to Herzog, has taken the net’s content to the Web in a big way; that may tickle Herzog, but it no doubt makes some cable operators anxious.

Big Break: Sarah Palin

Year Ahead:
Presidential elections come around only once every four years.

Favorite Music: ’70s roots reggae and funk

Favorite Show Not on My Network: Friday Night Lights

Last Book Read: The Night Gardener by George Pelecanos

Best Comedy Show I Had Nothing to Do With: 30 Rock

I Wish My Kids Would: Pick up their clothes

Traits I Most Admire in People: Loyalty and honesty

Fave Teams: NY Yankees/NY Giants

Hero: Willie Nelson

SG

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