Tom MontemagnoExecutive Vice President,Programming Acquisition
Transformational Programming Negotiations
Tom Montemagno leads Spectrum’s programming strategy across the video ecosystem to maximize value for Spectrum customers. As Executive Vice President, Programming Acquisition – the role he’s held since joining the Company in 2016 – he heads the Company’s negotiations with video content providers, including major media companies, sports leagues and sports networks, local broadcasters, independent networks and streaming services.
With more than 35 years of experience, Tom has played a central role in securing agreements that provide Spectrum customers with access to the most popular entertainment, news and sports networks, as well as varied programming offerings, including over 190 diverse networks in more than 20 languages.
Tom has been the driving force behind Spectrum’s efforts to provide customers with more flexible and affordable packaging options, including TV Choice, TV Stream and TV Stream Latino. He also leads the execution of the Company’s strategy to deliver a Seamless Entertainment experience to Spectrum customers by integrating programmers’ streaming apps into Spectrum’s traditional video packages at no additional cost.
This transformative model creates a more flexible approach to video and puts the focus where it should be, on the customer.
– Tom Montemagno
The video ecosystem’s groundbreaking change began with the team’s negotiated agreements with Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) across the country that allowed the introduction of more flexible sports programming packages in July 2023. These deals led to the relaunch of the Spectrum TV Select package as two new services: Spectrum Select Plus, including a full complement of popular sports programming services and local RSNs, and Spectrum Select Signature, an alternative service that excludes certain expensive sports programming and provides non-sports fans a reduced pricing option.
In September 2023, Tom led the Company’s negotiations with Disney, which created a new distribution model and secured Spectrum video customers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and ESPN’s forthcoming flagship streaming service at no additional cost. That pivotal agreement created a more attractive value proposition with more choice and flexibility for customers and helped establish a more sustainable business model for both companies.
The Disney-Charter deal was a catalyst for adopting a new hybrid model that incorporates linear and streaming services in a Seamless Entertainment experience for Spectrum’s video and broadband subscribers. In the next year, Tom subsequently oversaw the renewal of similar agreements with all the major programmers which also embrace this model, enabling the Company to provide Spectrum TV Select customers up to $80 per month of retail streaming app value at no additional cost.
Early Career
Prior to joining the Company in 2016, Tom was the chief negotiator with content companies for Cablevision Systems Corporation (now Altice USA), as Executive Vice President of Programming. During his 27-year tenure at Cablevision, he held various leadership positions in the programming department, including Senior Vice President of Programming Acquisition.
More About Tom
Tom serves on the Board of Directors of the T. Howard Foundation, an organization dedicated to increasing opportunity and inclusivity in the media industry, and as Chairman of iNDEMAND LLC. He received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from St. John’s University.
Articles & Insights
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The agreement will extend the long-standing partnership with a multi-year distribution agreement for Paramount’s full portfolio of linear cable networks, CBS owned-and-operated broadcast stations and direct-to-consumer streaming services.
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The streaming home to thousands of hours of exclusive shows and movies, is now included for Spectrum video customers at no extra cost.
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