TITLE: Senior Vice President, Programming, Charter Communications Corp.
WHY WE'RE WATCHING: Hamilton and the other members of her department at Charter had a lot on their plates in 2004: Many of the MSO's contracts with programmers were set to run out by year's end. For the most part, they got the renewals done, including finishing negotiations with a certain sports programmer headquartered in Bristol, Conn. Having concluded so many agreements — work remains on finalizing other pacts to provide more VOD and HDTV fare — Hamilton has to provide some measure of stability for the embattled MSO, which continues to lose customers and talent in the executive suite.
SCORE ON 2004: “After entering 2004 with more than two-thirds of programming either out of contract or expiring at the end of the year, our team brought the majority, including ESPN, to closure. In the process of doing so, we were able to mend fences with programmers and repair Charter's strained credibility in the industry.”
WHAT'S NEXT: “There are many things to accomplish this year. We need to bring to resolution open agreements on terms favorable to Charter. We have to rationalize channel lineups, and launch additional VOD and HD offerings.”
DRIVE IN 2005: “Charter's refreshed commitment to customer excellence will be reflected in all aspects of our business.”
EXECUTIVE EVOLUTION: “Charter offers an even playing field to all. The opportunity to rise within the company is limited only by one's ambition, abilities and commitment. That said, I would like to see more women in management ranks, resulting both from recognition of internal talent and external sourcing of superior candidates.”
AT HOME, AT PLAY: “I enjoy spending time in the mountains, hiking and skiing, with my husband, Crawford, and our four children: stepson Crawford Jr., 18; son Tucker, 5; daughter Avery, 3 and son Freddy, 1.
