2020 IS GOING TO BE EPIC

Dec 11, 2019    |    Linda Yaccarino

Team,
 
It has been a truly incredible year. As we wind down one decade and head into the next, I wanted to share a few thoughts on how much has changed; how much we have accomplished; and how much opportunity lies ahead.
 
In reminiscing about all that we’ve accomplished, recently, I reread my end-of-year note from 2014. One line in particular stood out to me: “This year we faced a very challenging business environment as our industry transforms at light speed—and it doesn’t look like that transformation is going to let up any time soon.”
 
Sound familiar? Whether it’s changing consumer demands, or emerging technologies, or brand new challenges, the truth is that transformation hasn’t let up. And I’m proud to say that our company has been leading it for the entire industry. You heard me say it at last week’s town hall (Password: 2019TownHall), and I’ll say it again: we’ve succeeded because as consumer behavior and client needs change, we’re always adapting to meet them. In the last year alone, we’ve navigated market convergence, broadened our focus to all screens, gone global with Sky, lifted results over GRPs—all while leaping over any legacy hurdles that stand in the way.

So, what’s next? 
 
We know 2020 will be a watershed year. The Tokyo Olympics will be the biggest Games ever. Millions of Americans will tune into our Election coverage. And as these events enthrall the country, and unite the world, we’ll be making strategic changes that will cement, define, and in some cases, redefine, our leadership in the media industry.
 
First and foremost, we’re putting our consumers above all and re-imagining the future of entertainment and advertising with Peacock—one of the biggest initiatives in our company’s history. Thanks to our enormous investment in content, technology, and partnership, Peacock will epitomize all we’ve been talking about for the past decade: it is the viewing experience our audiences demand and deserve, and a one-of-a-kind opportunity for marketers to join the streaming era when others are pushing them out. Peacock will transform the face of our company—and the entire industry.
 
On top of that, with the power and partnership of Sky, we’re now well on our way to creating a new global premium advertising marketplace to unlock massive audiences and provide safe, scaled opportunities to brands around the world. To support that marketplace, we’re also building a sophisticated new platform infrastructure that will change every aspect of how we operate our business, making it even easier for clients to work with us.
 
Most importantly, we will continue to forge more collaborative, impactful partnerships with our clients to help grow their businesses. With the scale of this company, we will measure the success of their investments exclusively with metrics and currencies that matter, ones that put their needs first and demonstrate the value we’ve always provided.
 
This is just a glimpse of the future we will create together, across our entire company—Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky. And I know we can do it, because here’s another line from my 2014 note that’s worth remembering: “This industry has never seen a company like this—or a team like us—before.” 
 
Well folks, in this ever-changing industry, I guess some things do stay the same. There is no other company like ours, and no other team like this one. Not by a long shot. You are the best in the business, and I feel fortunate to call myself your colleague. I am truly grateful for everything you do.
 
As you head home for the holidays, please take some time to unplug and recharge. Enjoy time with your loved ones. Reconnect with friends… and the TV shows you haven’t had the time to watch. And then…buckle up. 2020 is going to be epic.
 
Yours,

Linda Yaccarino
Chairman, Advertising & Partnerships, NBCUniversal