PALEY INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL SUMMIT

Monday, October 19, 2026

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Chairman's Opening Night Reception • Hearst Tower, 300 West 57 Street, 44th Floor

Day 1 • Tuesday, October 20 • The Paley Museum, 25 West 52 Street, NYC

8:00 – 9:10 am

Breakfast, Registration, and Networking

9:10 – 9:25 am

Welcome 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
• Jeanette Calandra, Global Advisory Industries, Clients & Markets Leader, PwC  

9:30 – 10:00 am

Gaming, Culture, and the Future of Entertainment

• Hiroki Totoki, President and CEO, Sony Group Corporation
• Strauss Zelnick, Founder and Managing Partner, ZMC; Chairman and CEO, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.

With billions of players and hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue, gaming is now one of the largest and most dynamic entertainment industries in the world. Hiroki Totoki of Sony Group and Strauss Zelnick of Take-Two Interactive will discuss the forces shaping the industry's future, exploring the evolving relationship between platforms and publishers, the convergence of gaming and entertainment, the opportunities created by AI and emerging technologies, and how the medium continues to redefine the global media business.

10:05 – 10:35 am

Global Franchises and the Evolution of Hollywood 

• Kristin Dolan, Chief Executive Officer, AMC Global Media  
• Kevin Mayer, Founding Partner and Executive Chairman, Smash Capital; Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Candle Media 
• Moderator: Daniel D’Addario, Chief Correspondent, Variety

In an increasingly competitive marketplace, the world's most enduring brands are defined not only by what they sell, but by the stories they tell and the communities they inspire. AMC Global Media CEO Kristin Dolan and Candle Media Co-Founder and Co-CEO Kevin Mayer will discuss how iconic intellectual property can evolve across generations, platforms, and cultures. Together, they'll explore the growing value of brand franchises, the intersection of consumer products and entertainment, and the strategies that transform beloved characters and brands into international businesses built for long-term growth. 

10:35 – 11:05 am

Creating Media in the Age of AI

• Cristóbal Valenzuela, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Runway 
• Moderator: Sarah Frier, Managing Editor for Big Tech, AI & Startups, Bloomberg News; Award-Winning Author of No Filter 

Generative AI is beginning to reshape how media is made, opening new possibilities for visual storytelling while challenging established approaches to production and creative work. Cristóbal Valenzuela, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Runway, joins the Summit to explore how these technologies are changing the creative process, what they could mean for the economics of content creation, and how the industry can navigate the opportunities and questions emerging from this transformation. 

11:05 – 11:30 am

Networking Break

11:35 am – 12:05 pm

Taking the Lead: Building the Business and Culture of Women's Sports

• Alexis Ohanian, Founder & General Partner, Seven Seven Six; Co-Founder & Former Executive Chairman, Reddit
• Dystany Spurlock, Professional Race Car Driver and Motorcycle Drag Racer
• Emily Tisch Sussman, Host, She Pivots the Podcast; Co-Owner, Gotham FC and NY Giants
• Moderator: Crystal McCrary, Co-Founder/CEO, GameUp and Get To Yes Productions

Women's sports are creating new opportunities for companies, athletes, and media entrepreneurs alike. Alexis Ohanian, Dystany Spurlock, and Emily Tisch Sussman represent the three pillars of this business model with their accomplishments in investment, racing, and storytelling. They will join moderator Crystal McCrary for a conversation about the momentum behind this transformation, and the growing role of media and culture in positioning professional women athletes at the heart of the movement. Together, they'll explore how rising fan engagement is reshaping the industry's economics and what it will take to build enduring franchises and unlock the next era of growth.

12:10 – 12:40 pm

The New Brand Imperative 

• Morgan Flatley, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Marketing Officer and New Business Ventures, McDonald’s
• Jill Kramer, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Mastercard
• Lin-Hua Wu, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, General Motors
• Moderator: Jonathan Miller, CEO, Integrated Media Company

The relationship between companies and consumers is evolving at a remarkable pace, requiring brands to rethink how they earn attention and build lasting loyalty. Chief marketing officers from some of America's most recognizable companies—McDonald's, Mastercard, and General Motors—come together for a conversation on the changing role of marketing in a rapidly shifting marketplace. They'll discuss how leading brands are responding to evolving consumer expectations and earning trust in an increasingly complex environment, and where they see the greatest opportunities to deepen brand loyalty and drive growth.

12:45 – 2:00 pm

Opening Day Delegate Luncheon

2:00 – 2:30 pm

The Next Frontier 

• Andreas Dracopoulos, Co-President, Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)
• Brian Greene, Professor of Physics and Mathematics, Columbia University 
• Mike Massimino, Former NASA Astronaut; Columbia University Professor of Engineering; Best-selling Author

From space exploration to artificial intelligence, humanity is entering a new era of discovery. But the greatest breakthroughs begin not with technology—they begin with curiosity, imagination, and the courage to explore the unknown. Join Andreas Dracopoulos, Brian Greene, and Mike Massimino for a conversation on how science, storytelling, and philanthropy inspire innovation, strengthen institutions, and expand human potential. Together, they'll explore why the next frontier is not only technological, but profoundly human.

2:30 – 3:00 pm

The Power of Personality: Authenticity in the New Media Landscape  

• Ryan Clark, Super Bowl Champion; Four-Time Emmy Award-Winning Analyst; Co-Founder, Pivot25 Productions
• Faiza Saeed, Presiding Partner, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP 

What makes a voice stand out in an increasingly crowded media environment? Ryan Clark, Super Bowl champion, four-time Emmy Award-winning analyst, and co-founder of Pivot25 Productions, joins Faiza Saeed for a conversation about the role of authenticity and personality in building a loyal audience. Drawing on his evolution from professional football player to influential media executive and entrepreneur, Clark will discuss how talent, perspective, and authenticity can turn a personal point of view into a compelling media brand. The conversation will explore what it takes to build trust with audiences and create content that resonates beyond the moment. 

3:00 – 3:30 pm

Leading Through Global Transformation

• Mohamed Kande, Global Chairman, PwC
• Mark Lazarus, Chief Executive Officer, Versant
• Moderator: Sara Eisen, Co-Anchor, Squawk on the Street and Money Movers  

Business leaders today are navigating an environment defined by economic uncertainty and technological disruption. Mohamed Kande of PwC, Mark Lazarus of Versant, and Arnaud de Puyfontaine of Vivendi will discuss leading global organizations through periods of profound change. Together, they'll explore how executives can adapt to evolving markets and make strategic decisions that position their organizations for long-term success in an increasingly interconnected world.

3:30 – 4:00 pm

Networking Break

4:05 – 4:35 pm

The New Media Playbook

• Michael Kassan, Founder & CEO, 3C Ventures
• Dave Penski, Global CEO, Connected Media 
• Moderator: Jenny Rooney, Chief Brand and Community Officer, Adweek

The media business is being reshaped by changing consumer behavior and new forms of distribution, forcing companies to rethink how they grow and compete. 3C Ventures Founder and CEO Michael Kassan and Connected Media Global CEO Dave Penski will explore the evolving relationship between content, advertising, and technology. They'll discuss the industry’s direction today, how successful companies are adapting to shifting market dynamics, and what will define the new business model for media.

4:35 – 5:05 pm

Beyond the Campaign: Who Shapes Policy After the Headlines?

• Michael Froman, President, Council on Foreign Relations 
• Edward Skyler, Head of Enterprise Services & Public Affairs, Citi
• Moderator: Tyler Kendall, Washington Correspondent, Bloomberg Television 

With the midterm elections just weeks away, attention will soon shift from campaigning to governing. But amid a rapidly evolving media landscape, what really moves policy conversations forward? Michael Froman of the Council on Foreign Relations and Ed Skyler of Citi explore how business leaders, financial innovators, and the media can help build public understanding, shape consensus, and advance practical solutions—from affordability and economic opportunity to the next generation of foreign affairs.

5:10 – 5:40 pm

The State of Innovation: What’s Driving Global Growth? 

• David Solomon, Chairman and CEO, Goldman Sachs
• Moderator: Rich Kleiman, Co-Founder and CEO, Boardroom 

Artificial intelligence is changing the pace of innovation and prompting companies to rethink where they invest for the future. Boardroom Co-Founder and CEO Rich Kleiman leads a conversation with Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO David Solomon about how this moment is reshaping the outlook for business and investment. Together, they’ll examine the forces behind this new innovation cycle and what it means for companies navigating a rapidly shifting economy.

5:45 – 5:55 pm

Closing Remarks

• Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Executive Vice Chairman & Former CEO, Hearst; Chairman, The Paley Center for Media

Day 2 • Wednesday, October 21 • The Paley Museum, 25 West 52 Street, NYC

8:00 – 9:00 am

Breakfast and Registration

9:00 – 9:10 am

Welcome 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

9:15 – 9:55 am

The Inaugural Dr. John C. Malone Annual Keynote Address: Media and Connectivity in a Changing Landscape  (Virtual Session)

• John C. Malone, Chairman, Liberty Capital; Chairman Emeritus, Liberty Media and Liberty Global; Former Chair Emeritus, Warner Bros. Discovery  
• Mike Fries, Chairman and CEO, Liberty Global

For decades, Dr. John C. Malone has helped shape the global media landscape, offering a distinctive perspective on the forces transforming the industry. Now, for the first time as a keynote event, Malone returns to the Paley International Council Summit with longtime collaborator Mike Fries for their annual conversation on the future of media. With decades of experience navigating change, Malone and Fries will offer their insights on where media is headed and how leaders can prepare for what comes next.

Made Possible by  Liberty Global  |  Charter Communications  |  Liberty Latin America  |  Liberty Media  |  Live Nation  |  SiriusXM  |  Warner Bros. Discovery

10:00 – 10:40 am

The Henry A. Kissinger Annual Keynote Address Made Possible by the William S. Paley Foundation: A Historical Perspective on Contemporary Leadership

• Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Executive Vice Chairman & Former CEO, Hearst; Chairman, The Paley Center for Media
• Doris Kearns Goodwin, Presidential Historian; Pulitzer Prize–winning Author 

Doris Kearns Goodwin, world-renowned presidential historian, Pulitzer Prize–winning and #1 New York Times best-selling author, joins Frank A. Bennack, Jr., for a conversation about what the past can teach us about leadership in today’s time of profound change. Drawing on her studies of presidents who guided the nation through moments of crisis and transformation, the talk will explore the qualities that distinguish consequential leaders and the enduring lessons their experiences offer to those navigating today’s complex global landscape. 

10:40 – 11:15 am

Networking Break

11:20 – 11:50 am

The New Economics of Attention

• Jim Lanzone, CEO, Yahoo
• Dennis Mathew, Chairman and CEO, Optimum
• Rose Wang, COO and Founding Team Member, Bluesky 
• Moderator: Seema Mody, Technology & Global Markets Correspondent, CNBC

As AI transforms search, discovery, and digital media, the architecture of the internet is being fundamentally reshaped. Will the next era be defined by open access and broad discovery—or by closed ecosystems that control how information is found, shared, and monetized? Jim Lanzone, CEO of Yahoo; Dennis Mathew, Chairman and CEO of Optimum; and Rose Wang, COO of Bluesky, examine how AI, connectivity, and evolving consumer behavior are redefining the economics of attention, and what it will take to ensure the internet remains a dynamic engine of innovation, competition, and opportunity.

11:50 am – 12:20 pm

Technology, Power, and the Future

• Jeremy Allaire, Co-Founder, CEO & Chairman, Circle
• Fareed Zakaria, Host, CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS

We are living through an era of profound technological, economic, and geopolitical transformation—one in which the rules governing business, finance, and society are being rewritten in real time. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle, and Fareed Zakaria, anchor of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS, will explore what this revolutionary moment means for the future, from the rise of agentic AI and its potential to reshape how companies and markets operate to the broader historical forces driving upheaval and change. Drawing on his new book, Age of Revolutions, and his deep understanding of history and geopolitics, Zakaria will bring perspective on where this moment fits in the long arc of transformative eras, while Allaire will offer a view from the technological frontier of what may be coming next.

12:25 – 12:55 pm

Beyond the Scoreboard

• Gary B. Bettman, Commissioner, National Hockey League
• Eli Manning, 2x Super Bowl-Winning Quarterback; 2x Super Bowl MVP; Founder, Ten Till Productions; Partner, Brand Velocity Group 
• Moderator: Madelyn Burke, SportsCenter Anchor, ESPN  

As the economics of sports are being reshaped by global growth, new distribution models, and changing fan expectations, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning discuss what it takes to build enduring sports brands in a rapidly evolving marketplace. From the NHL's international expansion and the transformation of sports media beyond the regional sports network era to the rise of athlete-driven content, new forms of fan engagement, and Manning's perspective on leadership, competition, and life beyond the playing field, this conversation explores how success in sports is increasingly defined by what happens beyond the scoreboard.

12:55 – 1:05 pm

Closing Remarks

• Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Executive Vice Chairman & Former CEO, Hearst; Chairman, The Paley Center for Media