Bill Abbott

Title: President/CEO, Crown Media Family Networks

Years in Cable: 24

Education: College of the Holy Cross

Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Be prepared.

Why Him? 2011 brought solid validation for many of the strategies Abbott’ been honing recently. In its first year as a Nielsen-rated network, Hallmark Movie Channel more than doubled its women and total audience in both primetime and total day—and added 8.5 million new subscriber households since the time it was first measured in April 2010 for a total of almost 45 million. Last year Hallmark Channel unleashed its first-ever daytime block of serial programming, anchored by “The Martha Stewart Show” and other Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia programming, and Abbott plans to further expand original content for Hallmark and Hallmark Movie Channel in 2012. It’s cause for a congratulatory greeting card.

If I had to pick a personal theme song, it would be… “Forever Young”
 
Favorite restaurant: Christiano’s Restaurant – Long Island
 
Favorite “going out” town: Chicago
 
The one thing I tell my kids about success in life: Work hard
 
My best technique for deterring time-wasting office visits from co-workers: Shut the door
 
Bands I would actually go see live: Billy Joel, Elton John, Rod Stewart
 
My favorite business and/or motivational book: “Success is a Choice,” Rick Pitino
 
Favorite sports team: New York Islanders
 
Favorite vacation spot: Disney World
 
My favorite iPad app: MLB.com At Bat 11
 
When I look at my cable set-top box, I can’t help but think that… It will be completely different in 5 years
 
When it comes to retransmission consent, cable operators should… Petition Congress
 
If I invented my own app it would… Function as my personal assistant
 
How many companies have you worked for since graduating from college? 4

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