211. Susan Lyne Part 1

Key takeaways

Susan Lyne’s diverse background—from Boston roots and Berkeley activism to Hollywood and television—shaped her innovative approach to media and storytelling.
She played a significant role in the development of groundbreaking TV series like 'Grey’s Anatomy' and 'Lost,' emphasizing diversity and audience engagement.
Effective leadership in media involves strong partnerships, passionate advocacy for creative vision, and resilience through corporate challenges.
The evolution of fan engagement, pioneered during her tenure at ABC with shows like 'Lost,' has fundamentally changed how audiences interact with media today.
A support system and collaborative relationships are critical for navigating a complex industry and maintaining creative integrity.

Summary

Early Life and Education: Foundations of Curiosity and Resilience

This section explores Susan Lyne’s upbringing in Boston within a conservative Irish Catholic family, highlighting her role as the oldest of five siblings and her close relationships with her family. Her transformative college years at UC Berkeley during the late 1960s exposed her to the anti-war and women’s movements, shaping her into a lifelong learner and inquisitive mind. Her brief stint in journalism during college, working as a freelance fact checker and writer for underground newspapers, cultivated her passion for storytelling and her understanding of media's influence.

From Journalism to Hollywood and Media Innovation

Susan’s career journey includes pivotal roles in various media outlets. At Francis Ford Coppola’s City Magazine, she gained firsthand experience in alternative media and magazine creation, learning the importance of innovative storytelling. Her tenure at The Village Voice marked a golden era of alternative journalism, emphasizing the rich intellectual community of New York City and her ability to navigate complex media environments. Transitioning to Hollywood, she was involved in IPC Films with Jane Fonda, which produced influential films like 'Coming Home' and 'The China Syndrome.' Her move back to magazines led to founding Premiere Magazine, aimed at providing in-depth industry analysis with features like behind-the-scenes industry reports, setting a standard that would influence future entertainment journalism.

Leadership at ABC and Influential TV Development

This section covers Susan Lyne’s impactful tenure as President of ABC Entertainment, where she played a crucial role in developing hit series such as 'Grey’s Anatomy' and 'Lost.' She discusses her approach to nurturing innovative shows, emphasizing diversity and bold casting choices, and her focus on creating content that appeals to women. Her leadership philosophy involved strategic partnerships, championing new talent, and protecting creative teams. The narrative highlights her competence in balancing industry relationships with storytelling integrity, and her resilience through corporate upheavals, including her unexpected departure before the successes of her projects.

Reflections on Industry Change and Media Fandom

In her reflections, Susan notes the importance of understanding modern fandom and how her work on shows like 'Lost' helped pioneer fan engagement through online platforms and interactive storytelling. She points out JJ Abrams’ early use of chat rooms and social media to foster a dedicated viewer community, a practice that has become standard today. Her insights reveal how these strategies transformed viewer relationships and established new norms for entertainment engagement, shaping the highly interactive media landscape we observe presently.

Show notes

I’ve maybe never interviewed anyone in my entire time as a historian and podcaster who has had a career as broad and varied as Susan Lyne. Yes, I obviously wanted to talk to Susan about her role helping startup Gilt Group, and her current role as the managing partner of the VC firm BBG Ventures. But, holy how. Susan also launched and oversaw the golden era of Premiere Magazine. She was the CEO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia when Martha had to step away to, you know, go to prison. And she was the President of ABC Entertainment. She oversaw the development of shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Lost. So, like, yeah. We needed to do two episodes. So this is part one, with the great, Susan Lyne.

Chapters:

00:00 From Boston to Berkeley: A Transformative Journey

08:00 The Rise of Alternative Media: Village Voice Era

16:06 Hollywood Calling: The IPC Films Experience

23:12 Launching Premier Magazine: Inside Hollywood

36:14 Navigating the ABC Landscape: A New Era

40:28 Developing Grey's Anatomy And Lost

Takeaways

Susan's upbringing in Boston shaped her perspective on expectations and identity.
Her time at UC Berkeley was transformative, exposing her to diverse ideas.
Freelancing in journalism helped her develop a passion for storytelling.
Working at City Magazine under Francis Ford Coppola was a unique experience.
The Village Voice was a golden era for alternative media in New York.
Susan's transition to Hollywood was driven by her love for storytelling.
Premier Magazine aimed to provide in-depth insights into the film industry.
At ABC, she focused on creating shows that appealed to women.
Susan learned the importance of having a supportive partner in leadership.
Her experience at ABC taught her valuable lessons about resilience and change.

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