By Stephen KingThe Paley Center for Media is set to host its annual International Council Summit, bringing together a distinguished assembly of leaders from the media, business, political, and academic sectors. The summit, scheduled for October 19-21, will take place at the Paley Center's headquarters in Midtown Manhattan. This year's event, themed "Global Media in Focus: Power, Platforms, and Perspective," aims to delve into critical discussions shaping the future landscape of global media. Notable speakers confirmed for the summit include media magnate John Malone, Sony Corp. CEO Hiroki Totoki, and Take-Two's CEO Strauss Zelnick.
The International Council Summit, a pivotal gathering for industry insights, moves back to New York City after its previous installment in Silicon Valley. This shift underscores a renewed focus on broader global perspectives within the media ecosystem. The agenda is designed to attract a diverse group of participants, including major business figures, investors, and thought leaders, reflecting the comprehensive nature of media's influence across various domains. The discussions will center on the evolving dynamics of power, the impact of various platforms, and the diverse perspectives that define contemporary global media.
A significant development for this year's summit is the announcement of consulting giant PwC as a two-year sponsor. Mohamed Kande, Global Chairman of PwC, expressed pride in the partnership, emphasizing a shared dedication to fostering global dialogue on media's future and driving innovation within the industry. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of cross-sector engagement in addressing the complex challenges and opportunities facing the media landscape today.
The roster of speakers for the summit boasts an impressive lineup of executives and influential personalities. Among them are Gary B. Bettman from the National Hockey League, Andreas Dracopoulos of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Mike Fries from Liberty Global, and Rich Kleiman of Boardroom. Other prominent figures include Philippe Krakowsky from Omnicom, Ynon Kreiz of Mattel, and John C. Malone representing Liberty Media and other affiliated companies. The summit will also feature perspectives from Eli Manning, Kevin Mayer of Candle Media, Crystal McCrary of GameUp, Alexis Ohanian from Seven Seven Six, Arnaud de Puyfontaine of Vivendi, Faiza Saeed of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, David Solomon from Goldman Sachs, professional racer Dystany Spurlock, Emily Tisch Sussman from She Pivots the Podcast, Hiroki Totoki of Sony Group Corporation, and Strauss Zelnick from Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
Maureen J. Reidy, President and CEO of the Paley Center, articulated the summit's vision, stating that it is where the future of media is shaped. She highlighted the unparalleled assembly of global leaders from diverse sectors, including gaming, sports, entertainment, and technology, all converging to inspire visionary thinking, cultivate powerful collaborations, and drive conversations that will define the next era of the industry. Reidy also extended gratitude to longstanding partners Hearst and the William S. Paley Foundation for their unwavering support, underscoring the collaborative spirit that underpins the summit's success.
This gathering serves as a critical forum for examining the intricate interplay between media, technology, and society, offering a platform for in-depth discussions on how these elements collectively influence global narratives and future developments. The summit's focus on power dynamics, platform evolution, and diverse perspectives is poised to generate valuable insights and foster strategic partnerships that will contribute significantly to the ongoing transformation of the media world.
