(AK) For the most part, I think that people still perceive us as a magazine publishing company as TV Guide magazine has historically been the hallmark product of the TV Guide brand. However, the company also produces and deploys interactive program guides for cable, satellite and consumer electronics companies, as well as for numerous Web sites and for mobile providers. We, operate the TV Guide Network, a popular television entertainment network, and TVG Network, the leading interactive horseracing network. In addition, TV Guide Online’s flagship Web site,(www.tvguide.com), is a leading destination for video guidance and entertainment content on the Internet. Another area of significant importance to the company is the development of next generation video guidance tools and services, and our intellectual property development business.

(KJ) What technology has Gemstar – TV Guide developed?

(AK) The company’s focus has been and continues to be on video guidance technology, commonly referred to as electronic or interactive programming guides.
I would like to see Gemstar – TV Guide at the forefront of the technological movement when it comes to video guidance because we no longer want to be known just as a guide for what is on television; we want to be a video guidance company across multiple media platforms, and we want to offer deeper and richer content to consumers through the use of our products and services. For instance, you now have video available on demand and you have video available on the internet and on mobile phones. People do not know when and how to access this information and we want to be the guide that makes it simple and more engaging for them. We are working on this right now!


(KJ) Are the tax rules and regulations different in the entertainment and media industry?

(AK) I would say that, from a tax perspective, the entertainment industry is not remarkably different from other businesses driven by intellectual property or know-how. From a tax practitioner’s standpoint, it is always challenging and dynamic, particularly when living in Los Angeles.

(KJ) You have experienced a tax career in public accounting as well as a major corporation. How would you describe your experience to anyone who is considering transitioning their tax career from a public accounting firm to a corporate environment?

(AK) It largely depends on what the individual intends to get out of the experience. In public accounting, you will get the opportunity to work with, and learn from the top professionals in the field, and have access to vast worldwide resources. Public accounting also offers one an opportunity for exposure to a greater variety of issues across multiple industries. One of the unique aspects of working for Gemstar – TV Guide is that, because the Company is involved in such diverse businesses, there is never a shortage of challenging new issues. In general however, a corporate tax experience may not offer such diversity or resources, but it does provide an opportunity to gain in-depth familiarity with a specific industry and company. It provides greater insight into business operations, the relationships among various business units and the people in those units, the interaction with the board of directors and the responsibility to the shareholders. This experience is not readily available when you are providing services within public accounting or a law practice. The corporate tax department has a responsibility to become a business unit partner so one must understand the business, its history, the current operations and what the vision for the future is. You must also build relationships with the people who are responsible for making that vision come to fruition. These relationships are a driver for developing the tax planning both from an operational and a transactional standpoint.

(KJ) What do you look for when you hire someone in your tax department?

(AK) What is important is dedication and commitment! I want to hire someone who wants to get to the right answer and deliver a quality work product. You may be extremely bright and have strong technical skills, but you also need to care about the company, the tax department and the deliverable. I encourage everyone to take continuing education courses and to follow up and read through the various daily and weekly publications. Everyone in our tax department is required to stay on top of current issues.

(KJ) What is the most important issue affecting tax departments today?

(AK) The regulatory environment that we live in today has significantly limited resources available for tax planning. In some ways, I look at where we are today and acknowledge that this is where we should have been all along. So, it is our responsibility to implement mechanisms and strategies that will make us compliant with regulatory and accounting requirements and still give us the opportunity to add the expected value to bottom line results.

(KJ) Andrew, thank you for the time you have taken to answer these questions. Your perspective is very valuable to our readers. We appreciate the time you have taken to share your experience with us.

Kathleen Jennings (KJ)
Editor, The Tax Intelligence Report
Kathleen@etsearch.com

If you would like an introduction to Gemstar - TV Guide International or if you would like to send a private email to Andrew, please contact Kathleen Jennings at Kathleen@etsearch.com.

Special Note: We are currently conducting a search for a Tax Director for Gemstar TV Guide International. If you know of anyone who would be interested in hearing about this opportunity please go to Tax Director - Hollywood, CA or contact Kathleen@etsearch.com.