I recently had occasion to speak with two of the cable industry's executive rock stars, John Hendricks, who founded the Discovery network dynasty, and Josh Sapan, the longtime head of Rainbow Media (home of AMC, We TV, IFC, Sundance).
One piece I wrote published anonymously, for reasons I won't get into, and another is forthcoming. So I'm not linking the stories below. But I came away with wonderful insights about their success that I think applies to all of us "going for the gold," in our own individual ways.
John told me that he spoke with 211 different people before he found the initial seed money to nurture The Discovery Channel, which was begun 25 years ago. My, what those twin "P's" -- passion and perseverance -- can do.
Josh talked about the importance of providing people with a product they can't find anyplace else -- and being elastic enough to change the product so that it can become even more dynamic and/or exciting.
Recently, I wrote about hot new forms of advertising found in airports and on airplanes for Mediaweek. And the strategy Josh employs seem to be particularly at play in that space.Free wi-fi service in terminals and on planes in exchange for watching some ads. Digital signage that tells you what the weather's like at your final destination. (See IBM Lotus board above, courtesy of JCDecaux.) And other digital billboards that react to your body movements with changing visuals. Little wonder that in some people's minds, air travel advertising is on the verge of taking off in a much bigger way.
Here's a link to the article:
Download MW - Air travel ads 031410
