p32-34,36-38,40-46,48 Euro50 NovDec09v4 9/11/09 14:22 Page 46
Euro 50 > Leaders in broadband and pay-TV Digital TV Europe
November/December 2009
John Taite VP, programming, EMEA, BBC Worldwide Channels
Highlights from the last year Launching 12 Goals for the next year Continuing the roll-
channels in 12 months across EMEA. This year out of BBC channels in EMEA and developing
we built those channels into much-loved rat- an effective linear content strategy that will
ings powerhouses and started to unlock their work in the converged world alongside BBC
creative potential. On the numbers side, the Worldwide’s digital offerings. The next step will
channels business hit profitability ahead of be a move into original commissions. Initially
schedule and we’ve grown ad sales despite we’ll look at successful formats but we’re also
market pressures. looking for original ideas that ultimately have
the potential to be imported by the public
Lessons learned from the downturn Avoid service BBC in the UK.
the temptation to cut the value-add (ie mar-
keting). Operational efficiencies should be the Favourite film character It would be a
focus rather than editorial cuts. Chasing rat- knock down, drag out fight between Dirty
As vice-president, programming, EMEA, BBC ings to the detriment of your brand in the cur- Harry, Han Solo and Cool Hand Luke.
Worldwide, John Taite is responsible for the rent climate is also high-risk. Now more than
creation, programming strategy and continu- ever, it is essential to secure a content pipeline Life outside work You’re meant to say base
ing success of the BBC’s channels in Europe, that is unique, of exceptional quality and large jumping or free running in these profiles aren’t
Middle East and Africa. enough to sustain the size of your portfolio. you? I actually love spending my free time
with my exceptional daughter Amelia, keeping
Age 36 Last year’s most important development up with a busy social life, listening to a lot of
The development of a more mainstream OTT music, reading recommended books, searching
Education Bachelor of Communication delivery model is happening quicker than for the perfect claret, going to movies, gal-
Studies, Television Major, Auckland University expected and we need to harness these non- leries, the theatre and of course devouring an
of Technology, New Zealand linear opportunities rather than fight them. unhealthy amount of television.
Jan Vorstermans Chief operating officer, Telenet
Jan Vorstermans leads cable operator mentation plan, which is now in execution, and
Telenet’s team responsible for networks and launched Eurodocsis 3.0. Telenet also
system engineering, information system launched “greening” plans, realising significant
development and service assurance. CO2 reductions.
Age 49 Lessons learned from the downturn
Every customer counts; simplify business to
Education M.Sc. Electronic Engineering & control spending; have more satisfied cus-
Telecommunication, in 1983 at the University tomers.
of Ghent.
Last year’s most important development
Highlights from the last year Delivering a Converged fixed/mobile products are becom-
strong network and IT performance whilst ing reality after many years of hype.
making significant improvements in the busi- Likely breakthrough service or technology
ness-to-business cash flow contributions. We Goals for the next year To keep and Increased use of video over the net, and the
completed the 600Mhz network upgrade and improve on a high level of product quality. To impact of network capacity.
launched of Pulsar, a multi-year programme to develop platforms for e-business and shorten
increase fiberisation of the network. The peri- time-to-market for new product launches. Favourite TV of film personality Hugh
od also saw network and IT integration of the Make full-MVNO successful by delivering the Laurie in House.
Interkabel acquisition, including customer platforms and processes. To extend and grow
billing migration. The market, meanwhile, the business-to-business portfolio and make Life outside work Family and music. Most
recognised for Telenet’s leading iDTV product significant steps in the “greening” of the com- free time goes into my interest in cosmology,
platform, and we defined our MVNO imple- pany. ancient technology and the origin of religions.
Visit us at at www.digitaltveurope.net
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