December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 59. Shelling Out High Def: Jeff Shell

Jeff Shell
Title: President, Comcast Prog Group
Last Year: #34
Age: 43
Education: UC Berkeley, BS; Harvard, MBA; Comcast University, Doctorate

Why Him? Shell’s top priority right now is the Dec 8 launch of simulcast HD feeds in 1080i for G4, Style and E! Also on that day, Versus and The Golf Channel begin their own 24/7 HD feeds, they had been sharing space for some time.

Worth Watching: As the digital transition nears, will HD programming drive enough sub and ad revenue to offset the increasing resources Comcast is devoting to HD sports and entertainment?

Year Ahead:
While subs may reduce their cable buy to basic during the recession, diversions tend to gain popularity during hard times.

Favorite Food: BBQ

Favorite Restaurants: Scalintella (NYC), The Ivy (LA), Hominy Grill (Charleston) and The Saloon (Philly)

Drink of Choice: A really good cab

Last Book Read: Ex Mex by Jorge Castaneda

Favorite Show Not On My Networks: Mad Men

Favorite Part of Job: Watching TV

Worst Part: Interacting with the airline industry

Cable’s Biggest Challenge: To understand that we are selling a service and an experience, not a utility

Best Business Advice Received: Nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems

Philosophy Of Life: Never take anything too seriously

I Wish My Kids Would: Grow up in a world better than the one I grew up in

Trait I Most Admire in People: Treating a waitress the same as they would treat a CEO

Favorite Sports Team(s) : Cal Bears, Dodgers, Philadelphia Eagles

Hero: President Barack Obama

KF

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