CableFAX: 37. Brand Changers: Bob DeBitetto and Nancy Dubuc
Bob DeBitetto and Nancy Dubuc
Titles: Pres/GM, A&E, Bio Channel (Bob); EVP/GM, History (Nancy)
Ages: 50 (Bob), 39 (Nancy)
Last Year: #50
Education: SUNY Stony Brook, BA, (Phi Beta Kappa); UCLA School of Law, JD (honors) (Bob). Boston U (Nancy)
Why Them? We broke our rule about putting 2 execs in a single slot, but DeBitetto and Dubuc’s titles are so similar we made an exception. They share more than this slot. Both remade A&E into a top 10 net, with Dubuc, in an earlier gig, launching young-skewing hits like Growing Up Gotti and Intervention. DeBitetto continued the addiction theme in ’08 with The Cleaner, A&E’s first scripted series in 6 years, which doubled the net’s prime avg and became its top series for 18-49s and 25-54s. Nothing illustrates Dubuc’s quest for a new take on history better than specials Life After People (seen by a record 5.4mln viewers) and the less lofty but stimulating All About Dung.
Cleaned Clock: Benjamin Bratt vehicle The Cleaner was renewed, and fabulous 9/11 special 102 Minutes That Changed America (seen by 14mln over 2 nights) helped History to its best Sept and 3Q, with adults 18-49 up 25% (Sept).
Year Ahead: 
History’s strong numbers should continue unabated; A&E’s launch of The Beast with Patrick Swayze will grab ratings, but the star’s cancer casts a shadow over the series’ future.
Bob DeBitetto
Favorite Food(s): Italian; Sushi (not Italian sushi, tho that’s pretty good too…)
Favorite Restaurant: Sant Ambreuse and Ino (West Village); Odeon (Tribeca, old school!)
Drink of Choice: 1997 Ornellaia (if I can find it)
Favorite Music: Love it all
Unnecessary Luxury I Like Most: Really good red wine
Favorite Show Not On My Network: Entourage, The Daily Show
Last Book Read: Atonement
In ’09 I Resolve To: Think of better answers to these questions
Favorite Part of My Job: As head of a TV net, it truly is a nearly 50/50 blend of right brain/left brain thinking
Best Business Advice Received: Go with your gut and make your mark
Trait I Most Admire in People: Superficial beauty
Nancy Dubuc
Favorite Food: Anything I can eat uninterrupted (2 small kids)
Favorite Restaurant: Mary’s Fish Camp – reminds me of home
Drink of Choice: Very good wine
Favorite Music: I’m into Colin Hay these days
Unnecessary Luxury I Like Most: Very good wine
Favorite Show Not on My Network: Would 24 come back already!
Last Book Read: Raising Cain
In ’09 I Resolve To: Stay on Budget
Favorite Part of My Job: It’s different every day
Worst Part of My Job: It’s different every day
Best Business Advice Received: The second best answer to Yes, is No
My Company Is Preparing For The Future By: Growing our brand strength
Philosophy Of Life: Can’t improve on Nike’s – Just Do it.
I Wish My Kids Would: Sleep
Favorite Word: Love
Least Favorite Word: Hate
The Trait You Most Admire In People: Grace
Favorite Sports Team: Red Sox
SA
