2024 Agenda
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
8:30 – 9:30 am
Breakfast and Registration
9:30 – 9:40 am
THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA WELCOME
- Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Executive Vice Chairman & Former CEO, Hearst; Chairman, The Paley Center for Media
- Maureen J. Reidy, President & CEO, The Paley Center for Media
9:40 – 10:10 am
Navigating the New Media Landscape
Speakers:
- John C. Malone, Chairman, Liberty Media, Liberty Broadband, and Liberty Global (Virtual)
- Mike Fries, Chief Executive Officer, Liberty Global (Virtual)
The global media landscape is undergoing significant transformation, presenting both new challenges and new opportunities. Media companies must adapt to changing consumer behaviors and leverage emerging technologies effectively to thrive in this rapidly evolving environment. Join Liberty Global Chairman John C. Malone and Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries for their annual wide-ranging conversation on the state of the new media landscape, which is always a Paley International Council Summit highlight.
10:15 – 10:45 am
Kicking Forward: MLS Growth and Future Horizons
Speaker:
- Don Garber, Commissioner, Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer (MLS) has undergone a transformative change over the past twenty-five years under the stewardship of Commissioner Don Garber, who has overseen the league's impressive expansion from ten teams in 1999 to an anticipated thirty teams by 2025. Learn why Garber and the leagues owners emphasize the importance of connecting all aspects of a team—players, fans, stadium, and community—while maintaining a focus on delivering a winning product on the field, as well as embracing innovative new technology initiatives. This will provide valuable insights into the strategies that will drive MLS's continued growth and its aspiration to become a leading soccer league globally, as North America prepares to host the World Cup in 2026.
10:50 – 11:30 am
New Media Landscape Production
Speakers:
- Faiza J. Saeed, Presiding Partner, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
- Richard L. Plepler, Founder & CEO, EDEN Productions
Richard L. Plepler, Founder & CEO, EDEN Productions, and Faiza J. Saeed, Presiding Partner, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, discuss the drivers of success in talent-centric businesses.
11:30 am – 12:05 pm
NETWORKING BREAK
12:10 – 12:40 pm
Source Code: How Hollywood and Video Games Are Leveling Up Together
Speaker:
- Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming
- Jonathan Nolan, Director, Executive Producer, Fallout
Moderator:
- Cynthia Littleton, Co-Editor-in-Chief, Variety
Amazon Prime Video and Kilter Films’ adaptation of the Fallout video games from Bethesda and Microsoft Gaming exemplifies the evolving relationship between gaming and TV/film. Fallout is one of the highest rated series ever for Amazon Prime, captivating longtime fans of the franchise, attracting a broader audience of newcomers, and helping drive more playtime from new and returning players. Panelists will examine what this collaboration means for the future of video game narratives in mass media and how thoughtful adaptations, experiential activations, and partnerships with gaming communities can bring together the worlds of gaming and general entertainment.
12:45 – 1:15 pm
Women’s Sports Grab the Spotlight
Speakers:
- Keia Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, New York Liberty
- Kim Stone, Chief Executive Officer, Washington Spirit
Moderator:
- Crystal McCrary, Cofounder, Get to Yes Productions; Cofounder, GameUp
Women's sports are currently experiencing an unprecedented surge in visibility and recognition, marking a significant turning point in the sports landscape. This momentum is exemplified by record-breaking viewership for events like the NCAA women's basketball championship, which attracted more viewers than the men's final for the first time in history. More recently, the National Women’s Soccer League has broken attendance records this season and nearly doubled its national TV audience, while the WNBA’s regular season ratings hit a twenty-four-year high. This panel will explore the massive boost in women’s sports audiences and attention and look at the necessary next steps to continue growing this momentum.
1:15 – 2:10 pm
Opening Day Delegate Luncheon
2:15 – 2:45 pm
The Henry A. Kissinger Annual Keynote Address made possible by the William S. Paley Foundation: The State of the World
Speakers:
- Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Executive Vice Chairman & Former CEO, Hearst; Chairman, The Paley Center for Media
- Dr. Robert M. Gates, 22nd U.S. Secretary of Defense; Principal, Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel, LLC
On the heels of the pivotal U.S. presidential election, visionary leaders Dr. Robert M. Gates, 22nd U.S. Secretary of Defense; Principal, Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel, LLC; and Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Executive Vice Chairman & Former CEO, Hearst; Chairman, The Paley Center for Media, will share their unparalleled insights on the geopolitical challenges facing the incoming administration, domestic and foreign policy priorities, and prospects for America's future both at home and on the international stage.
3:25 – 3:55 pm
The Ethical Imperatives of Artificial Intelligence
Speakers:
- Ramin Hasani, Co-Founder and CEO, Liquid AI
- Janet Haven, Executive Director, Data & Society
- Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief, The Economist
Moderator:
- Jonathan Miller, CEO, Integrated Media Company
Artificial Intelligence presents both transformative opportunities and ethical challenges as it becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of society. The rapid advancement of AI technologies, particularly generative AI, raises critical questions about transparency, fairness, and the preservation of privacy. To navigate these complexities, it is essential to establish robust ethical frameworks that prioritize accountability, fairness, and the minimization of bias in AI applications. This requires collaboration among stakeholders, including technologists, ethicists, and policymakers, to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in ways that align with societal values and promote human well-being.
3:55 – 4:10 pm
NETWORKING BREAK
4:15 – 4:45 pm
Global Economic Outlook in the Post-U.S. Election Landscape
Speakers:
- David Schwimmer, CEO, London Stock Exchange Group
- Robert E. Rubin, Former U.S. Treasury Secretary; Chairman Emeritus, Council on Foreign Relations
- The Honorable Dr. Kevin Rudd, AC, Australian Ambassador to the United States; Former Prime Minister of Australia
Moderator:
- Emma Tucker, Editor in Chief, The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones Newswires
This panel will examine the global economic outlook following the U.S. presidential election, highlighting the headwinds and tailwinds that will shape the world economy. How will the election results influence international trade policies, geopolitical dynamics, and market trends? Key topics will include potential shifts in global relations, the future of trade agreements, and impacts on emerging markets and technologies alongside challenges like inflation and supply chain disruptions.
4:50 – 5:20 pm
Combatting Cyber Threats
Speaker:
- Robert Silvers, Undersecretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
This dialogue will explore the multifaceted cybersecurity threats posed by foreign adversaries to the United States, with a particular focus on election security and the private sector's vulnerabilities. Nation-states such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea engage in cyber operations that not only target critical infrastructure and sensitive data but also seek to undermine trust in democratic processes through disinformation and election interference. Media companies play a crucial role in this landscape, as they can be exploited to spread false information, further eroding public trust. Additionally, the private sector, which manages significant national security-related activities, faces substantial risks from cyberattacks on valuable customer data, underscoring the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect both economic and democratic foundations.
5:25 – 5:55 pm
The Power of Consumer Insights and Effective Leadership
Speakers:
- Dennis Mathew, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Altice USA
Moderator:
- Jessica Toonkel, Deputy Media Editor, The Wall Street Journal
Broadband companies are increasingly recognizing the vital role of consumer insights and strong leadership in today’s competitive media landscape. By leveraging data analytics and customer feedback, companies can improve the overall customer experience and adapt to changing expectations. Hear why visionary leadership is crucial for navigating challenges posed by streaming services and emerging technologies. This session will explore why leaders who embrace innovation and make data-driven decisions are better positioned to guide their organizations through digital transformation and seize new opportunities in broadband and wireless markets.
6:00 – 6:05 pm
Closing Remarks
- Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Executive Vice Chairman & Former CEO, Hearst; Chairman, The Paley Center for Media
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
8:30 – 9:30 am
Breakfast and Registration
9:00 – 9:10 am
Opening Remarks
- Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Executive Vice Chairman & Former CEO, Hearst; Chairman, The Paley Center for Media
- Maureen J. Reidy, President & CEO, The Paley Center for Media
9:10 – 9:40 am
The Future of Sports Media: Insights from Industry Experts
Speakers:
- Aryeh B. Bourkoff, Chairman & CEO, LionTree LLC
- Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
Live sports are navigating a rapidly evolving global media landscape where the way fans consume content is actively shifting between traditional TV, streaming services, and digital platforms. We will hear from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver along with dealmaker and LionTree CEO Aryeh B. Bourkoff about the state of the industry and how organizations like the NBA can use creative partnerships and innovation to drive fan engagement and increase accessibility of the game around the world.
9:45 – 10:15 am
The Next Chapter of Media: Consumer Behavior, Content, and Consolidation
Speakers:
- Sowmyanarayan Sampath, CEO, Verizon Consumer Group
Everything old is new again, as the Streaming Wars have entered a new phase: the Great (Re)bundling. No longer content to go it alone, platforms (and competitors) of all sizes are teaming up to bundle their streaming offerings, giving consumers the opportunity to do one-stop shopping at a discounted price. In this modern spin on the classic cable bundle, platforms like Verizon are uniquely positioned to unite some of the biggest players in the content industry while unlocking more value for its customers—and helping to reduce churn across the board. During this conversation, Sowmyanarayan Sampath, CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, will discuss the value of the Bundle 2.0, and how these potent partnerships are presenting a powerful new road map for the industry’s future.
10:20 – 10:50 am
Election Aftermath: Business Strategies in a Changing Economy
Speakers:
- Edward Skyler, Head of Enterprise Services & Public Affairs, Citi
- Andrew Olmem, Managing Partner, Mayer Brown; Former Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council
What does the outcome of the 2024 U.S. election mean for the private sector and how are companies preparing for it? This conversation will examine the evolving landscape for businesses and how they might reassess their plans in light of potential changes in social and economic priorities, foreign policy, and willingness to engage with the business community.
10:55 – 11:05 am
Harnessing Generative AI for Strategic Enterprise Reinvention
Speakers:
- Yusuf Tayob, Global Communications, Media & Technology Industry Practices Chair, Accenture
Based on newly launched research, Accenture CMT Industry Practices Chair Yusuf Tayob will highlight the latest trends surrounding generative AI’s role in transforming enterprise operations. This brief presentation will reveal how leading organizations are leveraging generative AI to foster rapid innovation and drive significant improvements in productivity and profitability. Join us to understand why generative AI is more than a technological upgrade; it’s a pivotal enabler of comprehensive business transformation.
11:10 – 11:45 am
NETWORKING BREAK
11:50 am – 12:20 pm
Getting to the Truth: A Global Perspective on News and Journalism
Speakers:
- Steve Hasker, President and CEO, Thomson Reuters
- Almar Latour, CEO, Dow Jones; Publisher, The Wall Street Journal
Moderator:
- Bianna Golodryga, Anchor and Senior Global Affairs Analyst, CNN
This compelling conversation will explore the state of journalism and news in the aftermath of the U.S. election, along with its global implications. The discussion will examine the domestic media landscape, and the challenges reporters face worldwide, including attacks on the free press and the spread of disinformation. A significant focus will be on the plight of journalists around the world, highlighting the risks and resilience of those committed to truth-telling.
12:25 – 12:30 pm
Closing Remarks
- Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Executive Vice Chairman & Former CEO, Hearst; Chairman, The Paley Center for Media
Events and participants are subject to change.