Q&A with Andrew Maiden
In a piece that first appeared in Encore, 
Andrew Maiden, the CEO of subscription television industry body ASTRA, talks about his guilty media pleasure of binging on news bulletins.
Who is the most powerful person in Australian media and why?
Kim Williams because of his success over many years leading different media entities, and because News Corp has a large reach, enjoys financial success and, importantly, takes seriously its responsibility to advocate for policy reforms that expand consumer choice and encourage investment.
What one medium could you not live without?
Definitely television because it remains the dominant entertainment and information medium in consumers’ homes despite 50 years of technological change.
Your one guilty media pleasure?
While other people binge on drama series, I binge on news and current affairs, sometimes watching recorded prime-time news bulletins back-to-back through the evening.
The next big industry trend is…
Companion viewing on tablets or smart phones. In my house where there are two viewers, we sometimes have five screens running. Interestingly, the addition of new screens has not changed television viewing hours, although it does change the way viewers engage with content.
If you weren’t doing this for a living what would you be doing?
I can’t think of a better job that combines the great passions of my life: politics, entertainment and the media.
Your best piece of career advice…
Don’t try and be better than your team members at doing their jobs.
If you could poach any one person, who would it be?
Our only outstanding need is to poach a talented barista for the kitchen.
Would you recommend working in this industry to your kids?
Definitely. Subscription television is a great place for young people to begin their career because it provides so many entry points. STV has some of the most creative and dynamic people working in the industry and has always taken time to invest in young up-and-coming talent.
What is your favourite Aussie ad?
I’m always moved by brand advertising by Australian icons. The Qantas campaign built around the song ‘I Still Call Australia Home’ remains my favourite.
This story first appeared in the weekly edition of Encore available for iPad and Android tablets. Visit encore.com.au for a preview of the app or click below to download.
