What do Jo Ann Ross, Bruce Lefkowitz, Amy Baker, Kay Koplovitz and Charley Humbard have in common? Yes, they're TV industry legends. They're also key influencers who have guided Lisa Fischer to her leadership role as Executive Vice President Sales for UP Entertainment. In our Legends & Leaders Conversation, Lisa acknowledges the roles they each had in advancing her career and how they influenced her to assure she not only pays it forward personally but builds a strong foundation of mentoring at UPtv and Aspire.
As the media industry grapples with change, Lisa's experience at Discovery Communications, including heading the launch of ad sales operations for OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, provides UP Entertainment and its teams with a solid foundation of experience, relationships and an understanding of purposeful entertainment. "You know," she explains, "I try not to get overwhelmed by what's out there and I try to remind not only my staff, but our partners that we truly provide a value to them.
"The conundrum for all of us is to figure out how you follow the consumer. What we do every day is to make sure we're purpose driven and relevant. We still provide value to advertisers by reaching audiences that they desire; we still have brand safe content; we still have new original content that advertisers really want to be part of and have that halo effect. Whether it's UPtv in terms of love, laughter and relationships or it's Aspire in terms of lifestyle content, it's important that we deliver on our promise to always make you feel good and to uplift you."
Lisa shares that Aspire's resonance with the Black culture is an example of delivering on its promise not only to Black audiences but to advertisers. It's important, she believes, that advertisers "not just check the page because a network is minority owned or operated but to check the page because they're reaching an audience that actually is going to deliver value."
As publishers, networks, advertisers and agencies manage through what promises to be the most disrupted Upfront in history, Lisa carries forward the perspective of her mentors, who shared a common commitment to delivering value, relevance and purpose. For insights into Lisa's career, her purpose, and the future of UP Entertainment, watch our Legends & Leaders Conversation.