December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 42. Contrarian: Paul Lee

Paul Lee
Title: President, ABC Family
Last Year: #63
Age: 47
Education: Oxford

Why Him? Lee’s contrary views paid dividends this year. While others attempt to lure millennials with reality series, ABC F’s scripted series have gained teen loyalty. Intellectual Brit Lee has had success with Family (witness 5 consecutive years of growth), but this summer’s Secret Life of an American Teenager shattered records, becoming the net’s all-time top original, averaging 4mln viewers/ep, and grabbing 5mln for its mid-season finale in Sept.

Holiday Cheer: Although it’s hardly millennial fare, ABC Family says its 25 Days of Christmas is the #1 ad-supported original movie franchise on TV, including broadcast.

Year Ahead:
We can’t see a downside to the return of American Teenager in early Jan; ditto for hit Kyle XY (seen in 200 countries). And how can you bet against Lee when Family’s first original comedy, Roommates, is also on the slate?

Drink of Choice: Hot tea with cold milk — self-parody, I know, but the Brits occasionally get something right

Favorite Music: Bossa nova, picked up in my days working on Brazilian soaps.

Favorite Show Not on My Network: The Office (kinda cheating, given my days at BBC America)

Best Business Advice: "Surround yourself with the best" -my dad

Philosophy of Life Is: Enjoy the journey with the ones you love

I Wish My Kids Would: Not have such a great social life

Hero: My dad

SA

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