S2E9: John Lack

John Lack has spent more than 50 years challenging what media could become.

In this episode of The Net OGs, John looks back on a career that helped shape modern media—from creating MTV and helping develop Nickelodeon to reinventing ESPN for a younger generation and launching ESPN2. Along the way, he shares the stories behind pitching a 24-hour “video radio station,” the creation of “I Want My MTV,” and the ideas, risks, and decisions that helped turn new forms of entertainment into some of media’s most recognizable brands.

From interactive television and early mobile technology to digital media and AI, John shares a firsthand look at what it takes to recognize where media is headed before the rest of the industry gets there—and why perseverance, guts, and a willingness to take risks have defined his career.