2024 Agenda

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

8:30 – 9:30 am

Breakfast and Registration

9:30 – 9:40 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
• Laura Peterson, Senior Managing Director, New York Metro and Americas Operations Business Lead, Accenture

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

Moderator:

• Taylor Twellman, Lead Analyst, MLS Season Pass, Apple TV

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 in the Accenture Lounge

12:10 – 12:40 pm

Source Code: How Hollywood and Video Games Are Leveling Up Together

Speakers:

• 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 – 2:25 pm

Opening Day Delegate Luncheon

2:30 – 3:10 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.

3:15 – 3:45 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.

3:50 – 4:10 pm

NETWORKING BREAK in the Accenture Lounge

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
• Nathan Sheets, Global Chief Economist, Citi Research; Former Under Secretary of the U.S. Treasury for International Affairs

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, Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Moderator:

• Bree Fowler, Senior Writer for Cybersecurity, CNET

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

Speaker:

• 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

8:00 – 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
• Dan Rice, Senior Managing Director, Communications and Media Industry, Accenture

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
• Bruce Campbell, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery

Moderator:

• Kerry Flynn, Media Deals Reporter, Axios Pro

Everything old is new again, as the Streaming Wars have entered a new phase: the Great Rebundling. 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, and Bruce Campbell, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer for Warner Bros. Discovery, 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 

Moderator:

• Carol Massar, Anchor, Bloomberg Businessweek TV and Radio

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

Speaker:

• 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 in the Accenture Lounge

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.