December 12, 2007

Public Guys

Name: Charles Dolan
Title: Chairman, Cablevision Systems
Age: 81

Name: Jim Dolan
Title: CEO, Cablevision Systems
Age: 52

Name: Tom Rutledge
Title: COO, Cablevision Systems
Age: 54

Why Them? Remember in last year’s issue when we fretted about Cablevision Systems going private and how we wouldn’t have anything to write about anymore? OK. We take it back. Not only is Cablevision set to remain a public company, but it continues to generate headlines galore. But here’s the deal: Despite all the media noise, the Dolans, Ratner and Rutledge all contribute operational expertise and institutional insight to an incredibly well-run MSO with uniquely diverse assets. And look! They even filled out our questionnaire this year! Woo hoo!!  MG

Charles Dolan
The cable industry's biggest challenge in 2008 is: “Harnessing new technology to provide more significant services for our customers.”
In my free time, I like to: “Go swimming.”
Favorite city: New York
Favorite movie: Bridge on the River Kwai
Favorite piece of tech: “The remote.”
My perfect vacation goes like this: “Head South and keep going...”

Jim Dolan
Favorite line from a movie or TV show: “That is not my dog.” - The Pink Panther Strikes Again
Favorite TV show: “Heroes”
Favorite movie: Love Actually
In my free time, I like to: “Play music.”
The cable industry's biggest challenge in 2008 is: “Customer service.”

Tom Rutledge
Favorite City: New York City
Favorite line from a movie or TV show: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning. It smells like victory.”
Favorite song:  “All Along the Watch Tower” by Jimi Hendrix
Favorite Movie: Apocalypse Now
My perfect vacation goes like this: “Snow at night, blue skies in the day.”