Cablefax The Magazine May 2022 - 32

INTO THE WILD
20
Q&A
There's the rural divide, and then there's Alaska. While operators work to bring broadband to remote parts of the
contiguous U.S., Duncan and Chapados have practically moved mountains to make sure the Last Frontier isn't
just served, but super-served. Case in point: GCI expects to launch 2 Gig internet speeds in late 2022 to Unalaska,
a volcanic island in the Aleutian Islands with a population of 4,524 in the 2020 census. When the intensive fiber
project is done, Unalaska will have the most-advanced network in the state-even more so than Anchorage.
It's a feat fitting for Duncan, who has strived to make Alaska one of the most-connected states in America since co-founding the company
40 years ago. With Chapados, he has a partner who is laying the groundwork for a 10G-connected Alaska as he navigates node splits and
supply chain shortages. This duo also makes sure GCI gives back in ways that are unique to Alaska's needs. Those efforts have included
purchasing $25,000 worth of salmon for residents of the Interior to supplement a poor subsistence harvest following historically low Yukon
River salmon runs and sponsoring the annual Iditarod.
Ron Duncan
Founder & CEO
GCI Communication
Years at Current Organization: 43
Bucket List: Fly around the world in
my own plane
What does the metaverse mean to you? For our
industry it means the demand for connectivity
will continue to grow as consumers gain access
to limitless virtual entertainment, education
and work experiences without ever leaving
their homes. What the metaverse means for
society is still unclear. The metaverse doesn't mean too much to
me personally right now. I'm still a big fan of the real world. If my
choice is metaverse or universe, I'm Team Universe.
What's your Wordle strategy? I don't play Wordle. I'm more of a
4-letter-word guy than a 5-letter-word guy.
How many companies have you worked for? The one I started
If my company had a mascot, it would be: At GCI we like to think of
ourselves as Alaska's technology trailblazers. So, an Iditarod sled
dog would be a good fit for a GCI company mascot. They're always
blazing new trails.
Greg
Chapados
President & COO
GCI Communication
Years at Current Organization: 15
First Job in the Industry: EVP, GCI
How many companies have you worked for? 5,
if you include two tours of duty in the federal
government, but I was always destined to work
at GCI.
Q&A
Boredom buster? Thankfully, I'm not bored often.
Unfortunately, when I am bored, I tend to reach for a box of Girl
Scout Thin Mint cookies. It's not a healthy boredom buster, but it is
a delicious one.
Band I'd go see live: Dave Matthews Band. Don't Drink the Water,
11/18/2003 Central Park version.
Favorite dish that I can also make myself: Beef Bourguignon ■
CROSSING THE STREAMS
20
32
John Landgraf
Chairman
FX
Years at Current Organization: 18
First Job in the Industry: Sarabande Productions,
director of development (1988)
Landgraf demonstrated that it's possible for a TV network to delve into
streaming and to thrive there, too. He oversaw FX's evolution from cable
network to an above-the-title brand and solidified its place among
Disney's DTC and linear services around the world. He plans to double
FX's programming output in 2022-the goal is 25 scripted and five
unscripted shows-while also increasing its ongoing collaborations. Not
only was " Reservation Dogs " a hit, but the series made history by having
indigenous representation both on camera and behind the scenes.
May 2022
Q&A
If I had a time machine, I would: Take a job
running NBC and make sure " The Apprentice "
never gets ordered. I'd then order every show
that has become a hit since 2004. For any
young'uns out there who haven't watched " The
Wire, " it holds up...
Band I'd go see live: The Beatles live (many uses
for a time machine...) ■
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