LOS ANGELES – Today, ESPN president and Disney Media Networks Co-Chairman John Skipper – alongside Time Warner Cable chairman and CEO Rob Marcus – will serve as host of the National Cable Telecommunications Association’s (NCTA) annual Cable Show 2014.
This year, the cable industry’s largest annual trade show and conference takes place here through Thursday. Skipper shared some thoughts on this year’s show with Front Row:
What does it mean to be co-chair of the Cable Show?
The great people at NCTA have been very helpful providing support and day-to-day management of the details. I’ve helped with the show’s strategic direction along with my co-chair Rob Marcus, and we’ve helped inspire the show theme, “Inspiration Everywhere.”
Why do you think the cable industry needs a show like this?
The Cable Show provides tremendous value as an industry gathering place. In an incredibly dynamic world, with rapid technological change affecting our businesses and consumer behavior, we have a tremendous opportunity to build on the great value inherent in our businesses while continuing to better serve our customers. The show is a perfect place to socialize and build upon that.
How does being in LA make this year’s show special?
We’re at the center of the entertainment industry with a great opportunity to mine the creative talent in LA. One way we’re doing that this year is partnering with ShortsHD to host a live, 48-hour student film competition in Imagine Park to introduce the next generation of creative storytellers. This program will give students a view inside the entertainment industry and give the cable industry an opportunity to give back. I’m happy to say ESPN Films is heavily involved in the project.
