Michael Biard

Michael Biard
Title: President, Distribution, Fox Networks
Years in Cable: 16
Education: BA, Biology-Psychology, Columbia University; JD, Loyola Law School
Best Advice in 7 Words or Less: Work hard, play hard, sleep well.

Biard is a busy guy. He’s responsible for distribution strategy, and sales and marketing efforts for Fox’s 44 national and regional networks and their non-linear extensions. He has also helped ensure Fox Networks’ TV Everywhere services are accessible to 80 percent (and growing) of pay-TV customers in the U.S., and his superior negotiating skills helped him iron out distribution deals to launch FXX and Fox Sports One, the latter being the largest nations sports network launch in cable history.

Should the industry embrace or reject “virtual MSOs” and why? Maybe a valid question last year; by now, it seems the industry has moved past embrace into a conjugal relationship…
Favorite Screen: My cycling computer; preferably, with nothing but a mountain road in the background.
I wish Congress would just… take seriously the value of intellectual property rights. Too much “value” in the technology industry is modern day theft masquerading as innovation.
My favorite newfound hobby: Fly fishing somewhere off the grid.
The last time I had a good laugh was… Every day! When there’s no more humor in the day-to-day business, it will be time to move on.