December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 47. Billions of Pixels: Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban
Title: President/Co-Founder, HDNet
Last Year: #85
Age: Approaching dirt
Education: Indiana University (Time and Space)

Why Him? Cuban knew HD was the future and launched HDNet as one of the first networks dedicated to HD content. It took years, but HDNet has come into its own, racking up dozens of top-notch movies and specials, and in Sept inking a long-sought distribution deal with Comcast. To be sure, 2008 has been a banner year: HDNet’s news division won a National Headliner Award and RFK Journalism Award for a HDNet World Reports piece on Ugandan child soldiers (it also snagged a CableFAX Program Award, by the way). The SEC isn’t as impressed with Cuban, late last month charging him with insider trading from a 2004 stock trade. Cuban has denied the charges and says he’ll fight them vigorously.

Big Break: The Comcast deal clears the way for the net to eventually become a Nielsen-rated entity.

Year Ahead:
Increased carriage and continued praise for Dan Rather Reports could prove vital to a successful 2009.

Favorite Food: 7-11 tuna fish sandwiches, NutriSystems lasagna

Favorite Restaurant: Bob’s Steak & Chophouse in Dallas

Drink of Choice: Bud Light

Unnecessary Luxury I Like Most:  102-inch Panasonic plasma TV

Favorite TV Show Not on My Network: Gene Simmons Family Jewels, A&E

In ’09 I Resolve To: Stick to my NutriSystems program and lose weight!

Favorite Part of My Job: Developing Programming

Cable’s Biggest Challenge Is: Adopting new technologies like networked DVRs and building a foundation of tru2way software developers

My  Company Is Preparing for the Future By: Moving towards tru2way integration around and in our programming

Philosophy of Life: Today is the youngest you will ever be — act like it.

Team: Dallas Mavericks!

MG

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