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Henry Schleiff, Art Bell
Resume: Chairman/CEO, Court TV
Age: 56
Last Year: #56
Resume: President/COO, Court TV
Age: Takes the 5th
Why Them? For years peripatetic schmoozer Schleiff's been the industry face of Court TV; and, of course, its mouth. But as his many friends and supporters know, Schleiff is more than a witty former "SNL" writer. He's Court's driving force, touching nearly every facet of the channel and interacting with staff up and down the food chain. Henry's also a committed do-gooder and we're indebted to him for giving CableWORLD the idea to begin a public affairs programming award. For our 100 this year, we decided to give kudos to the soft-spoken Bell, too (the yin to jaunty Henry's yang). Schleiff and Bell's prescience has made it a requirement for broadcasters (and a few cable channels) to have forensics shows in their lineups. Some 4 years ago Bell's gut told him forensics and investigation might just be "the next big things;" Schleiff agreed and placed a bet on "Forensic Files," which made its Court TV debut in fall 2000. It's now the network's anchor program, has passed the 200 show mark and helped Court wrap its highest-rated October, averaging 0.8 in prime. While another 200 shows doesn't seem out of the question, Bell and Schleiff continue to seek other programming avenues to keep the channel an all-original network in prime time. For '05 the betting buddies are wagering on docu-drama series "Parco, P.I.," a mix of "Arrested Development" meets "Growing Up Gotti." Handicappers are taking note.
Top Legal Issue Facing the US: "Along with the obvious issues related to capital punishment, affirmative action, abortion and the like, perhaps the most critical issue is recognizing that several justices of the U.S. Supreme Court will be appointed soon: this is an important opportunity for our country to maintain the integrity and caliber of excellence of this institution."
Just Read: "The Bible...in fairness, the full title is "Dave Pelz's Putting Bible: The Complete Guide to Mastering the Green""
Favorite (Non-Cable) Golf Partner: "My dog, who only knows one trick - and, it involves retrieving golf balls from out of bounds...."
Biggest Challenge For Independent Programmers: "Given that we are all in the "communications" business, the irony is that we have to do a better job of communicating the unintended adverse consequences of legislative proposals like a la carte programming: indeed, given the ongoing damage to this industry from retransmission consent, we must be more "on the case" about any future damaging legislation."
Favorite Film: ""To Kill a Mockingbird" in part, because "Hidalgo" never got the credit it deserved."
Favorite Lawyer Joke: "The problem with most lawyer jokes is that it takes me a moment to figure out...if it's a joke!"
Challenge Ahead: "Refreshing the Court TV Brand. While I feel our brand has evolved nicely over the last five years, too many people still think of us as only trial coverage. The Court TV brand needs to represent both our leadership as the network that covers live trials, AND our innovative prime time programming that includes non-fiction (documentary) programming as well as some upcoming reality series."
Just Read: "Phillip Roth's "The Plot Against America""
Hobby: "Piano playing"
Ideal Vacation: "Ski for a week in Vail, followed immediately by a week in Hawaii"
Relaxation: "Playing piano"
Is It Getting Harder or Easier to Balance Work and Home Life? " The question should be "am I more successful or less successful at balancing work and home life?" It's always very difficult, and I feel like I'm becoming better at it."
Who Would You Like to Play in the Movies? "Steve McQueen. He's cool."
Worst Business Advice Received: "Always have something to fall back on." Takes the fun out of going for it, doesn't it? I like the thrill of working without a net."
Music of Choice: "Jazz"
Favorite Show Not on Court TV: "West Wing"
Can't Live Without: "Pasta"
Favorite Film: "Chinatown"
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