December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 66. With the Bandwidth: Bob Wilson

Bob Wilson
Title: SVP, Programming, Cox Communications
Last Year: #15
Age: 55
Education: Lehigh University, BS, Business; Georgia State University, MBA

Why Him? Wilson is the chief gatekeeper at Cox. When not trying to resolve the conundrum of the VOD business model and lost revenue from viewers with DVRs who fast-forward through commercials, Wilson has been signing deals for HD content. With at least 50 HD channels in the lineup, Cox now rivals Comcast and Dish Network for HD carriage.

Proud Moment: At the 2008 Cable Show, Wilson, a pretty fair musician, and fellow Cox employees won the Battle of the Bands under the name Xpanded Bandwidth, helping to raise $300K for New Orleans’ recovery.

Year Ahead:
The federally mandated broadcast HD transition will benefit Cox in winning and retaining subs.

Favorite Restaurant: Sliders patio at Amelia Island

Favorite Music: Derek Trucks live = genius at work

Favorite TV Show: Entourage, especially this season

Favorite Part of My Job: The great programming department at Cox

Worst Part of My Job: Besides high license fees: volume discounts, free streaming

My Company Is Preparing for the Future By: Cultivating people, expanding bandwidth, launching wireless

KF

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