John Malone Barry Diller Mike Friesand David Zaslav Setfor Rare Public Conversationat Paley Centerfor Media

Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 11:50 GMT by Variety
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John Malone will sit with Barry Diller, Mike Fries and David Zaslav at Paley Center for Media to discuss Malone's new memoir 'Born to be Wired.'

Media Titans Reflect on Careers, Cable's Legacy, and the Future of Entertainment: John Malone, Barry Diller, Mike Fries, and David Zaslav on Being 'Born Wired'

In a captivating feature that delves into the minds of some of the most influential figures in the media and entertainment industry, four powerhouse executives—John Malone, Barry Diller, Mike Fries, and David Zaslav—share their insights, anecdotes, and visions for the evolving landscape of content distribution and consumption. The piece, framed around the concept of being "born wired," explores how these leaders, each with deep roots in cable television, telecommunications, and digital innovation, have shaped the modern media ecosystem. Through a series of in-depth interviews and reflections, the article paints a vivid picture of an industry in flux, where traditional cable empires collide with streaming disruptions, regulatory battles, and technological upheavals.

John Malone, often dubbed the "Cable Cowboy" for his pioneering role in building vast cable networks, kicks off the discussion with a retrospective on his career. Malone, the chairman of Liberty Media, recounts his early days in the 1970s when he joined Tele-Communications Inc. (TCI) and transformed it into the largest cable operator in the U.S. He emphasizes the revolutionary impact of cable on American households, recalling how it democratized access to diverse programming beyond the broadcast networks' stranglehold. "We were wiring the world before the internet even dreamed of it," Malone quips, highlighting his strategic acquisitions and mergers that laid the groundwork for today's conglomerates. He discusses the sale of TCI to AT&T in 1999, a deal that netted billions and allowed him to pivot toward content ownership through Liberty. Malone doesn't shy away from current challenges, critiquing the streaming wars and expressing skepticism about over-the-top (OTT) services' profitability. He argues that bundling— the core of cable's success—remains essential, even as cord-cutting erodes subscriber bases. Malone's forward-looking comments touch on artificial intelligence in content curation and the potential for broadband to eclipse traditional TV, urging the industry to adapt without abandoning its wired foundations.

Barry Diller, the charismatic media mogul behind IAC/InterActiveCorp and former head of Paramount and Fox, brings a contrarian flair to the conversation. Known for his sharp wit and bold bets on digital ventures like Expedia and Vimeo, Diller reflects on his transition from traditional Hollywood to the internet age. He describes himself as "born wired" in the sense of always being connected to emerging technologies, even before the digital boom. Diller recounts his role in launching the Fox network in the 1980s, which disrupted the Big Three broadcasters and introduced edgier programming like "The Simpsons" and "Married... with Children." Fast-forwarding to today, he discusses the fragmentation of audiences in the streaming era, warning that the proliferation of platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Paramount+ has led to consumer fatigue. "We've created a monster of choice, but without the curation that cable provided," he notes. Diller is candid about regulatory issues, particularly antitrust concerns surrounding Big Tech's encroachment into media. He advocates for stricter oversight of companies like Amazon and Google, arguing they stifle competition. On a personal note, Diller shares anecdotes from his interactions with icons like Rupert Murdoch and Sumner Redstone, illustrating the cutthroat negotiations that defined media deals in the '90s and 2000s. Looking ahead, he envisions a hybrid model where linear TV and streaming coexist, powered by personalized algorithms, but stresses the need for creative storytelling to remain at the heart of it all.

Mike Fries, CEO of Liberty Global, offers a global perspective, drawing from his experiences expanding cable and broadband services across Europe and Latin America. As a protégé of Malone, Fries echoes his mentor's emphasis on infrastructure but adds a layer of international insight. He details Liberty Global's growth from humble beginnings to operating in over a dozen countries, navigating diverse regulatory environments and cultural differences in content preferences. Fries highlights the company's pivot toward high-speed internet and mobile services, especially post the Vodafone acquisitions that bolstered its European footprint. "Being 'born wired' means understanding that connectivity is the new currency," he states, pointing to the explosion of data consumption driven by video streaming and remote work. He addresses the challenges of net neutrality debates in Europe and the U.S., defending cable providers' investments in infrastructure against free-riding tech giants. Fries is optimistic about 5G and fiber optics revolutionizing delivery, predicting that virtual reality and augmented reality will redefine entertainment. He shares a humorous story from his early career negotiating deals in post-Soviet Eastern Europe, underscoring the adaptability required in global media. On the content side, Fries discusses partnerships with streamers and the importance of local programming to retain subscribers amid global competition.

David Zaslav, the dynamic CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, rounds out the quartet with his high-energy take on content creation and distribution. Fresh off the 2022 merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Zaslav reflects on integrating storied brands like HBO, CNN, and Discovery Channel under one roof. He describes the merger as a "wiring together" of premium storytelling and factual entertainment, aimed at combating the streaming giants. Zaslav is forthright about cost-cutting measures, including controversial decisions like shelving projects and layoffs, which he justifies as necessary to streamline operations in a debt-laden environment. "We're building a house of brands that's wired for the future," he asserts, touting successes like "House of the Dragon" and the relaunch of Max. He delves into the role of sports in media, highlighting Warner's NBA rights and the potential of live events to drive subscriptions. Zaslav critiques the ad-supported streaming model, predicting a resurgence of bundled services akin to cable packages. His vision includes leveraging AI for content discovery and expanding into gaming and interactive media. Zaslav shares personal inspirations from his early days at NBCUniversal, where he helped launch CNBC and MSNBC, emphasizing mentorship from figures like Bob Wright.

Collectively, these executives paint a portrait of an industry at a crossroads. They acknowledge the disruptions posed by cord-cutting, piracy, and economic pressures but remain bullish on the enduring value of "wired" infrastructure—be it cable lines, broadband, or digital networks. The article weaves in historical context, from the Cable Act of 1984 that deregulated the industry to the dot-com bust and the rise of FAANG companies. It explores themes of innovation, resilience, and the human element in deal-making, with each leader offering advice to aspiring media professionals: embrace change, invest in quality, and never underestimate the power of connectivity.

The feature concludes on an optimistic note, suggesting that while the media landscape is more fragmented than ever, the "born wired" mindset—rooted in vision, grit, and strategic wiring of resources—will guide the industry forward. Through their stories, the article not only chronicles the past but also illuminates paths for navigating the uncertainties of tomorrow's entertainment world. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Variety Article at:
[ https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/john-malone-barry-diller-mike-fries-david-zaslav-born-wired-1236487853/ ]

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John Malone Barry Diller Mike Friesand David Zaslav Setfor Rare Public Conversationat Paley Centerfor Media

Media Titans Reflect on Careers, Cable's Legacy, and the Future of Entertainment: John Malone, Barry Diller, Mike Fries, and David Zaslav on Being 'Born Wired'