Embracing the Future: A Leading Network Executive Weighs in on Evolution in Television
Identifying as a creative first, a prominent figure in television
leaves her current role while celebrating a robust future for content
A television veteran with decades of experience announced her upcoming retirement this year. In a recent keynote conversation, she delivered a powerful message to her industry peers: “Stop using the word ‘cable.’” This seasoned executive, who has orchestrated successful strategies for some of the industry’s most beloved brands, urges a shift in perspective for those still tied to traditional labels. “What we do is content, and where it’s seen is entirely up to the audience,” she explained. The location, she affirmed, is becoming less important every day.
This transformative vision coincides with the changing landscape of entertainment consumption. While the executive acknowledges the importance of cable in the past, she firmly believes the industry
is on the brink of a dynamic transformation. It’s no longer about "cable content" but about crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences across platforms. "I don’t consider myself a cable exec," she said. "We’re creatives who simply make content. From there, it’s out of our hands where it goes next.”
The shift is undeniable. Programming originally aired on linear platforms is easily finding new life on streaming services, sometimes reaching a wider and unexpectedly diverse audience. She uses the popular TLC series "90 Day Fiancé" as a prime example.
Initially built for a linear audience, the show found astonishing success on a streaming platform, attracting a younger demographic who were previously unconnected to the term “cable.”
This evolution doesn’t mean the death knell for cable, however. This veteran acknowledges the continued profitability of cable:
"millions of people
in the U.S. still consume it."
The caveat: "Is it growing?
No, of course not, because people aren’t going to suddenly sign up for cable subscriptions they don’t already have," she observed.
She prefers to think of cable as "slowing, but not dead.” This leads her to believe that for the foreseeable future we’ll be in a multi-platform universe.
The impact of this shift on
the workforce itself
is significant.
“Stop limiting ourselves to, ‘I’m a cable exec
I work in cable
I make cable content.
That’s going away at some point, right? So what we all are is creatives,” she explains, urging a forward-thinking mindset. “You make content, and then you put it on all these different places, and the audience chooses to watch it whichever place they happen to prefer."
Reflecting on her career, she
expressed a sense of optimism and yet bittersweet goodbye. With
a successor already named
she emphasizes the creative opportunity that lies ahead for content creators.
She is truly excited about the future of television and the people who bring stories to life across all platforms.
How does the executive view the shift in content consumption habits as it relates to the television industry?
## Embracing the Future: A Leading Network Executive Weighs in on Evolution in Television
**Interviewer:** We’re joined today by a titan of the television industry, who after decades of groundbreaking work, announced her retirement earlier this year. Welcome!
**Executive:** Thank you for having me. It’s exciting to be here.
**Interviewer:** Your recent keynote address generated a lot of buzz, particularly your call to stop using the term “cable.” Can you elaborate on that for our viewers?
**Executive:** Absolutely. For years, the lines were clearly drawn – “cable” versus “broadcast.” But the reality is, content consumption has evolved dramatically. Today, audiences are accessing programming on streaming platforms, on-demand services, and even social media. It’s not about the delivery method anymore, it’s about the content itself.
**Interviewer:** So, you’re arguing for a shift in mindset within the industry?
**Executive:** Precisely. We need to stop thinking in those outdated silos. I don’t consider myself a “cable executive,” I’m a storyteller. My passion lies in creating compelling narratives that connect with people, regardless of where they watch.
**Interviewer:** You’ve overseen the success of some truly iconic brands throughout your career. Do you see this shift in consumption habits as a threat or an opportunity?
**Executive:** Without a doubt, it’s an incredible opportunity. The possibilities for creative storytelling have expanded exponentially. We can reach audiences globally in ways we never imagined before. The future of television is brighter than ever. [[1](https://www.britannica.com/art/television-in-the-United-States)]
**Interviewer:** That’s inspiring to hear! Thank you for sharing your insights and congratulations on a remarkable career.
**Executive:** Thank you so much. It’s been a privilege.
**Interviewer:** And to our viewers, thanks for joining us.
