Cable operators and programmers demand a more user-friendly authentication process for TV Everywhere

Panelists at the forum Brought To You By Broadband: A Faster, Better And More Entertaining Future, agreed that a more user-friendly authentication process for TV Everywhere is critical for cable operators.The panel was composed of Nancy Dubuc, president and CEO of A+E Networks; Rob Marcus, Chairman and CEO of Time Warner Cable; Jerald Kent, Chairman and CEO of Suddenlink Communications; John Martin, CEO of Turner Broadcasting System Inc.; and John Skipper, president of ESPN, Inc. and Co-Chairman of Disney Media Networks.They indicated pay-TV is healthy and solid. Kent of Suddenlink Communications said there are still opportunities for growth, especially now that the market is undergoing a phase of corporate consolidation.ESPN’s Skipper said cable has the best product and does not fear competitors like Netflix, and that his company had one of the most coveted programming genres: live sports. “150 million people watch sports every week,” he said, adding that the industry must work together “to promote the value of the pay-TV market.”Turner’s Martin said the broadband explosion has broken distribution barriers. “I believe it’s incredible and a great victory for consumers,” he added.Martin said Turner invests US$14 billion in programming every year and that his company is worth US$70 billion.