December 12, 2007

Pop Art

Name: Robert Debitetto
Title: EVP/GM, A&E

Name: Nancy Dubuc  
Title: EVP/GM, The History Channel
Age: 38
Years in Industry: 16
Years left in Industry: “Now why would I share that?”

Why Them? Have DeBitetto and Dubuc discovered the fountain of youth? It certainly appears that way if you check out the rapidly decreasing age of viewers for their respective networks. Since taking the helm at A&E, DeBitetto has helped shrink the median age of viewers from the early 60s to the mid-40s with a strong emphasis on the entertainment side of Arts & Entertainment. He’s perfecting a programming formula that includes dramatic series like “The Sopranos,” nonfiction gems like “Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” and several multiplatform efforts. Dubuc, a consistent ratings driver when she was at A&E, got her own sweet taste of reality this summer with one of her first projects since taking the reins from History’s Dan Davids. The premiere of “Ice Road Truckers,” the docu-reality series about gonzo truck drivers working near the Arctic Circle, became the most-watched original telecast of the network’s 12-year history, delivering 3.4mln overall viewers. Dubuc wants to shave 5 years from the average History viewer by ’09. With upcoming fare like a George Lucas collaboration to mark the 30th anniversary of the Star Wars franchise, and a documentary on global warming, she looks to be well on her way.  CAO

Robert Debitetto
What is your favorite word? “Abso-freakin-loutley!!!”
What is your least favorite word? “Whatever…”
What turns you on? “Great writing and acting.”
What turns you off? “Small-mindedness… and lousy ratings  (it’s a tie).”
What sound do you love? “The sound of a burbling stream in a shaded wood.”
What sound do you hate? “I can’t…”
What profession other than yours would like to attempt? “I would like to be an aging rock star.”
What profession would you not like to participate in? “I would not like to be a dentist.”
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?  “Hey, we’ve been expecting you… There are some people who are dying to see you.”

Nancy Dubuc:
I knew the cable industry was for me when: “I was doing a half a dozen things that had nothing to do with my actual job description.”
Defining career moment: “Being asked to run development for A&E by Abbe Raven.”
Biggest cable surprise of 2007: “Ice Road Truckers”
Person (other than my current boss) who I’d most like to work for: “Alice Waters”
My perfect vacation goes like this: “Scrabble, books & sun.”

 
Click here to go to the next entry
Click here to go to the previous entry
Click here to return to the 2007 CableFAX 100 list