December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 76. Nostalgic No Longer: Larry Jones

Larry Jones
Title: President, TV Land
Last Year: N/A
Age: 40-something
Education: Ohio State U, BS

Why Him? Who needs nostalgia when you’ve got ratings? TV Land started ’08 with its best-ever Q, delivering a 19% ratings gain and 24% delivery surge vs the same period in ’07. Originals — notably High School Reunion — are skewing younger, and new programming will focus heavily on dating and romance, which obviously doesn’t die when you hit The Big 4-0, another TV Land winner.

Year Ahead:
With plans to triple the hours of originals in prime time — up from 15% now — Jones and TV Land will feel young again.

Food: Anything with black truffles

Restaurant: Babbo in NYC

Drink: Stoli & tonic

Music: Rap

Unnecessary Luxury I Like Most: Cashmere socks

Fave Show Not on My Net: Weeds

Last Book Read: Magician of the Modern by Eugene R. Gaddis

Favorite Part of My Job: Meeting people who have big ideas for change

Worst Part of My Job: Meeting people looking to maintain the status quo

Cable’s Biggest Challenge: Being original

Best Business Advice Received: "Too many people in this town are afraid to make a decision. If you want be successful, just make a decision, any decision, and if you are right more than wrong, they will let you stay around." - Sheldon Leonard

I Wish My Kids Would: Find true passion

Favorite Word: Widget

Least Favorite Word: Mortgage

Favorite Sports Team: UFC

CO

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