December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 43. Classy Clown: Michele Ganeless

Michele Ganeless
Title: President, Comedy Central
Age: 43
Education: Northwestern U, BS

Why Her? Ganeless is lucky. Besides joining our list of 100 this election year, she keeps company with not one, but two leading men. During this historic presidential contest just ended, Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart packed a powerful 1-2 punch for Comedy, delivering record ratings, not to mention buzz and online video hits. Stewart — who’s picked up six straight Emmys — delivered 3.6mln viewers in October when Barack Obama visited his set, and both funnymen delivered plenty of incendiary fodder. Beyond politics, Ganeless continued to push Comedy’s caliber of programming, particularly online, with the recent relaunch of stand-up haven jokes.com.

Year Ahead:
The election’s over. But hey, when you’ve pulled 3.6mln viewers, a small tumble isn’t so bad.

Favorite Show Not on My Network: Mad Men

Last Book Read: The Audacity of Hope

Favorite Part of My Job: Watching the brilliance of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert every night

I Wish My Kids Would: Grow up happy and secure

Trait I Most Admire: Grace

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