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TCA Video: HBO Offers Value During Recession, Plepler Says

Jan 13, 2009  •  Post A Comment

HBO Co-President Richard Plepler told TelevisionWeek’s Jon Lafayette that he’s confident in the premium cable network’s growth, citing the network’s performance in past recessions and the performance of HBO Entertainment President Sue Naegle. Mr. Plepler was at the Universal Hilton for HBO’s portion of the Television Critics Association’s Winter Press Tour.
Check out all of TVWeek’s TCA coverage here.
Although Mr. Plepler acknowledged that no business is safe during a recession, he explained, “Most of the time throughout our history we have not seen any decline during recessions,” adding that people commit to the network even more because of the “value” and instead cut their spending other forms of entertainment.
Even in the tough economy, Mr. Plepler said, the network has “very big expectations” for its upcoming series “Hung.” Set in present-time Detroit, he said, “The show really has a moment in time” and is “very reflective of what’s going on” as the automotive industry continues to face economic challenges.
Mr. Plepler sang the praises of Ms. Naegle, the former United Talent Agency partner who packaged “Six Feet Under” for the cable network. He called her the “perfect partner” to be in charge of HBO Entertainment during this “important era in the company.”
“No matter what we do from here on in, probably the best thing we’ll have ever done is find Sue and bring her to HBO,” Mr. Plepler said.

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