Astronauts Wanted, the digital studio behind A Trip To Unicorn Island as well as Kian Lawley and Jc Kaylen’s forthcoming H8TERS series, has tapped industry veteran Jonny Blitstein as its new VP of business development for branded entertainment.
Blitstein will be based in Astronauts Wanted's New York offices, where he will dually report to co-founder and president Judy McGrath and chief strategist Nick Shore. Blitstein will be in charge of broadening the studio’s mission to create zeitgeist-y premium content -- but within the branded marketplace.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
Blitstein will be based in Astronauts Wanted's New York offices, where he will dually report to co-founder and president Judy McGrath and chief strategist Nick Shore. Blitstein will be in charge of broadening the studio’s mission to create zeitgeist-y premium content -- but within the branded marketplace.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
- 2/2/2017
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
Digital studio Astronauts Wanted has unveiled a shiny new development slate comprising eight series starring established and emerging social influencers, including Kian Lawley and Jc Caylen, Timothy DeLaGhetto, Kingsley, Alexa Losey, and Hannah Witton.
"This really interesting new generation of creators and top talent reflect the spirit and creativity of their fans, which is right where we want to be,” stated Judy McGrath, president of Astronauts Wanted -- and the former chairperson/CEO of MTV Networks, who created the company as a joint venture with Sony Music Entertainment. While Astronauts Wanted is behind projects like Hey USA and A Trip To Unicorn Island, its new slate represents the company’s first foray into categories like food, fashion, and sketch comedy.
Lawley and Caylen, for instance, will play themselves as well as all of the surrounding characters in the loosely scripted H8ters, about two videogame store employees who despise the...
"This really interesting new generation of creators and top talent reflect the spirit and creativity of their fans, which is right where we want to be,” stated Judy McGrath, president of Astronauts Wanted -- and the former chairperson/CEO of MTV Networks, who created the company as a joint venture with Sony Music Entertainment. While Astronauts Wanted is behind projects like Hey USA and A Trip To Unicorn Island, its new slate represents the company’s first foray into categories like food, fashion, and sketch comedy.
Lawley and Caylen, for instance, will play themselves as well as all of the surrounding characters in the loosely scripted H8ters, about two videogame store employees who despise the...
- 5/3/2016
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
Judy McGrath is resigning from her position as chairman and CEO of Viacom's MTV Networks division.McGrath, who began her career with the company as a copywriter at MTV in 1981, was named chairman and CEO of MTV Networks in July 2004. The company said that a successor would not be named.McGrath said, "The people of MTV Networks have always been singularly important to me. Together we have built world-class brands that connect with fans from kid to adulthood, from SpongeBob to Hot In Cleveland, from Unplugged to The Daily Show. We have attracted and nurtured ...
- 5/6/2011
- BusinessofCinema
The Bay's Martha Madison temporarily replaces Rebecca Herbst on General Hospital
Due to illness, Rebecca Herbst's role of Elizabeth Webber will be temporarily recast by Martha Madison (ex-Belle, Days), with a first airdate of June 8.
MTV Networks CEO Judy McGrath Resigns
It's an end of an era at MTV - after what has been years of speculation, Viacom today announced that veteran Judy McGrath is resigning from her position as Chairman and CEO of its MTV Networks. McGrath, who had been at MTV almost from the beginning, starting as a copywriter at the music channel in 1981, and was named Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks in July 2004 by then-Viacom co-president and co-coo (and McGrath mentor) Tom Freston, to whom she reported.
EW.com: ABC underdog for Katie Couric
“Everybody still believes that ABC is the real underdog in any negotiation,” says an ABC insider.
Child Star, Superman Actor...
Due to illness, Rebecca Herbst's role of Elizabeth Webber will be temporarily recast by Martha Madison (ex-Belle, Days), with a first airdate of June 8.
MTV Networks CEO Judy McGrath Resigns
It's an end of an era at MTV - after what has been years of speculation, Viacom today announced that veteran Judy McGrath is resigning from her position as Chairman and CEO of its MTV Networks. McGrath, who had been at MTV almost from the beginning, starting as a copywriter at the music channel in 1981, and was named Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks in July 2004 by then-Viacom co-president and co-coo (and McGrath mentor) Tom Freston, to whom she reported.
EW.com: ABC underdog for Katie Couric
“Everybody still believes that ABC is the real underdog in any negotiation,” says an ABC insider.
Child Star, Superman Actor...
- 5/5/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
It's an end of an era at MTV - after what has been years of speculation, Viacom today announced that veteran Judy McGrath is resigning from her position as Chairman and CEO of its MTV Networks. McGrath, who had been at MTV almost from the beginning, starting as a copywriter at the music channel in 1981, and was named Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks in July 2004 by then-Viacom co-president and co-coo (and McGrath mentor) Tom Freston, to whom she reported. But after the abrupt firing of Freston in 2006, there was rampant speculation that she would leave too. She ultimately made peace with the new top management, but rumors about her leaving persisted. Three years ago, she was rumored to run Oprah Winfrey's Own, where Freston works as an adviser. And last year, NBCUniversal's Lauren Zalaznick explored the possibility of taking McGrath's position before re-upping with the newly merged Comcast-NBC Universal.
- 5/5/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Judy McGrath is stepping down as the chairman and CEO of MTV Networks and no successor will be named, Viacom Inc. announced Thursday. McGrath started with MTV as a copywriter in 1981. With her departure, the executives in charge of MTV Networks' operating units will report to Viacom president and CEO Philippe Dauman. They include Doug Herzog, president of MTVN Entertainment Group; Van Toffler, president of MTVN Music & Logo Group; and Cyma Zarghami, president of Nickelodeon & MTVN Kids & Family Group. McGrath held several positions at MTV Networks since the...
- 5/5/2011
- The Wrap
New York, Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Viacom Inc. announced today that it has appointed Robert Bakish to the newly created position of President and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks. Mr. Bakish was previously President of MTV Networks International. In his new role, he will oversee Viacom's Media Networks properties that operate outside the U.S., including MTV Networks International, as well as Bet Networks' international channels and non-premium Paramount branded networks. Mr. Bakish will also continue to serve as Chairman of Viacom 18, the Company's joint venture in India, and as a member of the boards of Viacom's joint ventures with BSkyB and Telecom Italia Media. Based in New York, Mr. Bakish will report directly to Viacom President and CEO Philippe Dauman. He will continue to work closely with MTV Networks Chairman and CEO, Judy McGrath, as well as with Bet Networks Chairman and CEO, Debra Lee, and with Paramount Pictures Chairman and CEO,...
- 1/19/2011
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
New York - Viacom is looking to deliver on its hopes to further grow its international TV business. The company has promoted Robert Bakish to the newly created position of president and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks.
He was previously president of MTV Networks International.
In his new role, he will not only oversee MTV Networks channels abroad, but also Bet Networks' international channels, as well as non-premium Paramount branded networks, which Viacom hopes to expand.
Based in New York, Bakish will now report directly to Viacom president and CEO Philippe Dauman in a sign of his expanded role and the importance of international growth to Viacom. He will continue to work closely with MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath, to whom he previously reported, as well as with Bet Networks chairman and CEO Debra Lee and Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Brad Grey.
Viacom International Media Networks...
He was previously president of MTV Networks International.
In his new role, he will not only oversee MTV Networks channels abroad, but also Bet Networks' international channels, as well as non-premium Paramount branded networks, which Viacom hopes to expand.
Based in New York, Bakish will now report directly to Viacom president and CEO Philippe Dauman in a sign of his expanded role and the importance of international growth to Viacom. He will continue to work closely with MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath, to whom he previously reported, as well as with Bet Networks chairman and CEO Debra Lee and Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Brad Grey.
Viacom International Media Networks...
- 1/19/2011
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ever since the NBC Universal-Comcast merger was announced last year, the obnoxious Lauren Zalaznick has been lobbying for a bigger role within the combined company. And, in the process, she's made a pest of herself from what I hear. The president of NBC Universal Women & Lifestyle Entertainment Networks oversees Bravo, Oxygen, and iVillage, and has indicated not very subtlely that a small addition to her current portfolio, such as Comcast’s Style Network, won’t cut it. She's also threatening to seek greener pastures elsewhere. Sources tell Deadline that Zalaznick took meetings recently with Viacom president/CEO Philippe Dauman and top Viacom cable executives execs including Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks Music /Films /Logo Group. Though these meetings have been described to Deadline as only exploratory, Zalaznick is trying to make Comcast & NBCU believe she's being eyed for Judy McGrath’s job as chairman/CEO of MTV Networks.
- 9/29/2010
- by Nikki Finke
- Deadline Hollywood
New York -- Oprah Winfrey is the highest-ranked entertainment industry personality on Fortune's list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in business, released Wednesday. She ranks sixth as she did in last year's list, with PepsiCo chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi once again
holding the top spot.
Entertainment and tech executives are represented in various other positions as well. Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz is listed in the 10th spot (down from eight last year), followed at 15th by Disney Media Networks co-chair Anne Sweeney, who rose one spot this year ("Her latest hits include ABC's "Modern Family,"" Fortune noted), Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg who is up from 22 to 16 and MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath who climbed two spots to
rank 18th. About McGrath, Fortune said: " Between "Jersey Shore" and the Video Music Awards, McGrath has jolted MTV out of its ratings slump."
Amid recent industry chatter about their possible...
holding the top spot.
Entertainment and tech executives are represented in various other positions as well. Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz is listed in the 10th spot (down from eight last year), followed at 15th by Disney Media Networks co-chair Anne Sweeney, who rose one spot this year ("Her latest hits include ABC's "Modern Family,"" Fortune noted), Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg who is up from 22 to 16 and MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath who climbed two spots to
rank 18th. About McGrath, Fortune said: " Between "Jersey Shore" and the Video Music Awards, McGrath has jolted MTV out of its ratings slump."
Amid recent industry chatter about their possible...
- 9/29/2010
- by By Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New York -- Gender equality in TV shows and movies for young audiences is still a ways off, actress Geena Davis said here Monday.
"Boys do all the fun stuff, and girls are not there or hyper-sexualized," she said about typical gender patterns. She made the comments in an appearance at the Social Good Summit, organized by the 92nd Street Y and Mashable with the United Nations Foundation. The session was webcast.
Female characters have been underrepresented 3:1 in G-rated content for decades, she said in speaking about research that her Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media has collected. The actress expressed hope to move the needle "even a little bit" in the next five years though. "I don't know if we could get to 2:1," she said when asked about her target for the next five years. "Maybe 2.5:1."
She said a study showed that only 7% of kids movies were gender-balanced.
"Boys do all the fun stuff, and girls are not there or hyper-sexualized," she said about typical gender patterns. She made the comments in an appearance at the Social Good Summit, organized by the 92nd Street Y and Mashable with the United Nations Foundation. The session was webcast.
Female characters have been underrepresented 3:1 in G-rated content for decades, she said in speaking about research that her Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media has collected. The actress expressed hope to move the needle "even a little bit" in the next five years though. "I don't know if we could get to 2:1," she said when asked about her target for the next five years. "Maybe 2.5:1."
She said a study showed that only 7% of kids movies were gender-balanced.
- 9/20/2010
- by By Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MTV's 'Hope for Haiti Now' telethon airs Friday at 8 p.m. Et/Pt.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Sway Calloway
George Clooney
Photo: MTV News
Whether the cause was 9/11 or genocide in the Sudan, George Clooney has extended a helping hand to those in need during times of trouble. Now, the actor hopes to pass along that compassion and call to action to Americans as they watch "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief," which airs Friday at 8 p.m. Et/Pt.
"I think it's the same message that everybody does, that churches do, that communities do — which is everybody participate, help out, whatever way you can," Clooney told MTV News in Los Angeles on Thursday (January 21) during rehearsals for the star-studded telethon. "If it's clothing, give clothing. This is designed for money. And it can be anything. Five bucks — it can be anything, whatever way you can help out,...
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Sway Calloway
George Clooney
Photo: MTV News
Whether the cause was 9/11 or genocide in the Sudan, George Clooney has extended a helping hand to those in need during times of trouble. Now, the actor hopes to pass along that compassion and call to action to Americans as they watch "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief," which airs Friday at 8 p.m. Et/Pt.
"I think it's the same message that everybody does, that churches do, that communities do — which is everybody participate, help out, whatever way you can," Clooney told MTV News in Los Angeles on Thursday (January 21) during rehearsals for the star-studded telethon. "If it's clothing, give clothing. This is designed for money. And it can be anything. Five bucks — it can be anything, whatever way you can help out,...
- 1/21/2010
- MTV Music News
Nobody helps a charity event come together quicker than George Clooney. Two days after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Judy McGrath, the CEO of MTV Networks, was starting to plan a benefit for the devastated nation when her phone rang. "My assistant said, 'George Clooney is on the phone,' " she tells People. Her reaction? "That's just Brad Grey [CEO of Paramount Pictures] fooling around.” But the call wasn't a prank. Clooney was on the line offering his help. "He jumped in with such incredible commitment," says McGrath. "And he had already spoken to Bono, Wyclef, Sting and Bruce [Springsteen]." The result? Hope for...
- 1/20/2010
- by Liza Hamm
- PEOPLE.com
The Hollywood Reporter held its Women in Entertainment breakfast and released its annual list of the most powerful women in Hollywood. Melissa at Women & Hollywood beaks it down for us.
Here's a list of the top 20: 1. Amy Pascal, co-Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment (last year 3)
Anne Sweeney, president Disney-abc Television Group co-chairman Disney Media Network (last year 2)
Oprah Winfrey, chairman Harpo (last year 1)
Nancy Tellem, president CBS Network Television Entertainment Group (last year 4)
Bonnie Hammer, president, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment and Universal Cable Prods. (last year 6)
Donna Langley, co-chairman, Universal Pictures (last year 11)
Stacey Snider, co-chairman and CEO, DreamWorks Studios (last year 5)
Dana Walden, chairman, Twentieth Century Fox Television (last year 9)
Nina Tassler, president, CBS Entertainment (last year 10)
Angela Bromstad, president, primetime entertainment, NBC and Universal Media Studios (last year unlisted)
Sue Kroll, president of worldwide marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures
Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO, MTV Networks
Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, president of distribution,...
Here's a list of the top 20: 1. Amy Pascal, co-Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment (last year 3)
Anne Sweeney, president Disney-abc Television Group co-chairman Disney Media Network (last year 2)
Oprah Winfrey, chairman Harpo (last year 1)
Nancy Tellem, president CBS Network Television Entertainment Group (last year 4)
Bonnie Hammer, president, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment and Universal Cable Prods. (last year 6)
Donna Langley, co-chairman, Universal Pictures (last year 11)
Stacey Snider, co-chairman and CEO, DreamWorks Studios (last year 5)
Dana Walden, chairman, Twentieth Century Fox Television (last year 9)
Nina Tassler, president, CBS Entertainment (last year 10)
Angela Bromstad, president, primetime entertainment, NBC and Universal Media Studios (last year unlisted)
Sue Kroll, president of worldwide marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures
Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO, MTV Networks
Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, president of distribution,...
- 12/7/2009
- by Christina Warren
- AMC - Script to Screen
The teaming Martha Stewart and Susan Lyne is over.
Lyne has stepped down from her post as president and CEO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia after four years.
The day-to-day operations of the company will be handled by president of media Wenda Harris Millard and president of merchandising Robin Marino. Each has been promoted to co-CEO; Lyne will stay with MSLO in an advisory role and as a director to help with the transition.
Lyne's exit has prompted speculation that Discovery Communications might be eyeing Lyne to run OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, which will launch in the second half of 2009.
CW president of entertainment Dawn Ostroff and MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath are among the top female execs whose names also are being bandied about for that post.
"We don't have an announcement yet on the OWN CEO, and we don't speculate on candidates," a Discovery spokesperson said.
Lyne's relationship with Winfrey extends to her days as an executive at ABC, where she forged a partnership with Winfrey's Harpo Prods.
Lyne has stepped down from her post as president and CEO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia after four years.
The day-to-day operations of the company will be handled by president of media Wenda Harris Millard and president of merchandising Robin Marino. Each has been promoted to co-CEO; Lyne will stay with MSLO in an advisory role and as a director to help with the transition.
Lyne's exit has prompted speculation that Discovery Communications might be eyeing Lyne to run OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, which will launch in the second half of 2009.
CW president of entertainment Dawn Ostroff and MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath are among the top female execs whose names also are being bandied about for that post.
"We don't have an announcement yet on the OWN CEO, and we don't speculate on candidates," a Discovery spokesperson said.
Lyne's relationship with Winfrey extends to her days as an executive at ABC, where she forged a partnership with Winfrey's Harpo Prods.
- 6/11/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Viacom's stock is undervalued, but should move higher during the next year if management continues its turnaround of key businesses, chairman Sumner Redstone and CEO Philippe Dauman said at the firm's annual shareholder meeting Thursday.
In that regard, one of the industry's final events of the annual meeting season echoed a key theme heard in other sector biggie's shareholder gatherings.
"Over the long run -- we're in a bad market now -- it will go up," Redstone said. "Next year, we'll see where the stock is. I think it will be higher."
"The fundamentals of our business have not changed," Dauman said in discussing his recent lowering of second-quarter cable network advertising revenue guidance. "The market will appropriately value our shares" if management continues to execute well.
Among the about 100 guests at Midtown Manhattan's Hudson Theatre just across the street from Viacom's Times Square headquarters were CFO Tom Dooley, board member and Redstone's daughter Shari, Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Brad Grey, MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath and BET Networks chairman and CEO Debra Lee.
In that regard, one of the industry's final events of the annual meeting season echoed a key theme heard in other sector biggie's shareholder gatherings.
"Over the long run -- we're in a bad market now -- it will go up," Redstone said. "Next year, we'll see where the stock is. I think it will be higher."
"The fundamentals of our business have not changed," Dauman said in discussing his recent lowering of second-quarter cable network advertising revenue guidance. "The market will appropriately value our shares" if management continues to execute well.
Among the about 100 guests at Midtown Manhattan's Hudson Theatre just across the street from Viacom's Times Square headquarters were CFO Tom Dooley, board member and Redstone's daughter Shari, Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Brad Grey, MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath and BET Networks chairman and CEO Debra Lee.
NEW ORLEANS -- Top cable executives discussed convergence's impact on the industry during a discussion on Day 2 of the National Cable & Telecommunications Assn.'s 2008 Cable Show here.
Topics of Monday's panel included the importance of branding and the questions over whether to charge for online content.
Time Warner Cable's Glenn Britt said that when cable networks -- who he said seek "more money every year" -- ask whether TWC minds if they put their on-air programming online as well, "Guess what? We do mind."
In a news conference after the discussion, he clarified his remarks, saying he does want to see "all sorts of content" on the Internet.
"But if you're talking about putting (a program) online for free on the same date (it airs on TV), that will erode your other business model," he said. "The operators are the middlemen who guarantee (the cable networks) revenue, so we have to intervene at some point."
The panel, moderated by BET Networks' Debra Lee, also included Judy McGrath of MTV Networks, George Bodenheimer of Disney/ESPN/ABC, Neil Smit of Charter and Scott McNealy of Sun Microsystems.
Topics of Monday's panel included the importance of branding and the questions over whether to charge for online content.
Time Warner Cable's Glenn Britt said that when cable networks -- who he said seek "more money every year" -- ask whether TWC minds if they put their on-air programming online as well, "Guess what? We do mind."
In a news conference after the discussion, he clarified his remarks, saying he does want to see "all sorts of content" on the Internet.
"But if you're talking about putting (a program) online for free on the same date (it airs on TV), that will erode your other business model," he said. "The operators are the middlemen who guarantee (the cable networks) revenue, so we have to intervene at some point."
The panel, moderated by BET Networks' Debra Lee, also included Judy McGrath of MTV Networks, George Bodenheimer of Disney/ESPN/ABC, Neil Smit of Charter and Scott McNealy of Sun Microsystems.
- 5/19/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After a year of upfront presentation silence, MTV Networks rocked the house with a celebration of its connection to its audiences and advertisers.
MTVN brought out celebrities from Justin Timberlake and Samuel L. Jackson to Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert to drive home the message that it is building partnerships with Madison Avenue. Other stars included Ashanti, Chris Rock and Sarah Silverman. John Legend performed "This Time", from his upcoming album; Silverman, guitar in hand, sang an ode to Group M chief Rino Scanzoni.
"I'm looking to have a partnership, if you will, with him," she said.
MTVN president Judy McGrath told ad buyers gathered at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square that the company has a bond with its young audiences, who have a lot of disposable income.
"They're more invested in and engaged in our content than ever before," McGrath said.
That connection goes beyond content to advertising, McGrath said. Appearing before the audience to attest to that were execs from Dove, who talked about the Alicia Keys microseries sponsored by the brand that aired between commercial pods of MTV's "The Hills"; Mountain Dew's microminiseries that aired on Spike; and LG's sponsorship of VH1's "Save the Music" campaign online, on-air and in community events nationwide.
MTVN brought out celebrities from Justin Timberlake and Samuel L. Jackson to Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert to drive home the message that it is building partnerships with Madison Avenue. Other stars included Ashanti, Chris Rock and Sarah Silverman. John Legend performed "This Time", from his upcoming album; Silverman, guitar in hand, sang an ode to Group M chief Rino Scanzoni.
"I'm looking to have a partnership, if you will, with him," she said.
MTVN president Judy McGrath told ad buyers gathered at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square that the company has a bond with its young audiences, who have a lot of disposable income.
"They're more invested in and engaged in our content than ever before," McGrath said.
That connection goes beyond content to advertising, McGrath said. Appearing before the audience to attest to that were execs from Dove, who talked about the Alicia Keys microseries sponsored by the brand that aired between commercial pods of MTV's "The Hills"; Mountain Dew's microminiseries that aired on Spike; and LG's sponsorship of VH1's "Save the Music" campaign online, on-air and in community events nationwide.
UPDATED 4:04 p.m. PT March 12
John Sykes, president of network development at MTV Networks and part of the executive team that developed and launched MTV, is leaving the company at month’s end.
An MTVN spokesman on Tuesday confirmed Sykes’ imminent departure.
Sources said it was his own decision to leave the company, where he had been charged three years ago with overseeing the development and launch of new platforms, including cable networks and broadband sites, for 35- to 50-year-olds.
But that initiative ultimately didn’t fit with the plans of parent Viacom, which instead is putting the focus on strengthening its existing brands in various platforms as well as superserving those brands’ core demos, sources said.
It’s understood that MTV Networks will not be replacing his position. It’s also unclear what Sykes’ plans are after he leaves the company.
In an internal memo sent to employees Wednesday, MTVN chairman and CEO Judy McGrath praised Sykes.
"Many have left their indelible mark on MTV Networks over the years, but John's creative leadership, bold thinking, and social responsibility -- not to mention the world's greatest A-list relationships -- truly shaped our company," McGrath wrote.
John Sykes, president of network development at MTV Networks and part of the executive team that developed and launched MTV, is leaving the company at month’s end.
An MTVN spokesman on Tuesday confirmed Sykes’ imminent departure.
Sources said it was his own decision to leave the company, where he had been charged three years ago with overseeing the development and launch of new platforms, including cable networks and broadband sites, for 35- to 50-year-olds.
But that initiative ultimately didn’t fit with the plans of parent Viacom, which instead is putting the focus on strengthening its existing brands in various platforms as well as superserving those brands’ core demos, sources said.
It’s understood that MTV Networks will not be replacing his position. It’s also unclear what Sykes’ plans are after he leaves the company.
In an internal memo sent to employees Wednesday, MTVN chairman and CEO Judy McGrath praised Sykes.
"Many have left their indelible mark on MTV Networks over the years, but John's creative leadership, bold thinking, and social responsibility -- not to mention the world's greatest A-list relationships -- truly shaped our company," McGrath wrote.
- 3/12/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Nickelodeon, Marriott International and real estate development company Miller Global Properties said Thursday that they are partnering to launch a new worldwide family hotel chain called Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott.
The first hotel, filled with such favorite Nickelodeon characters as SpongeBob SquarePants, Diego and Dora the Explorer, is set to open in early 2010 in San Diego, and plans call for 20 hotels around the world by 2020.
"We're here to unveil the next great chapter for Nickelodeon: connecting with kids and families everywhere," said Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO of MTV Networks, which operates Nickelodeon. "It's a terrific next step forward with a world-class partner for our booming recreation business."
Water parks will be the focal point of the hotels, where even the guest rooms and restaurants will be built with Nickelodeon themes for kids in mind, said J.W. Marriott Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott International.
"Besides being a great destination resort for families, we believe that these exciting properties will also attract younger adults and the young at heart," he said. "We expect these resorts to fill a very important segment of the marketplace, and we're very enthusiastic about the prospects for this new brand."
He said Miller Global will be the primary owner and developer of the hotels, which will be managed by Marriott.
The first hotel, filled with such favorite Nickelodeon characters as SpongeBob SquarePants, Diego and Dora the Explorer, is set to open in early 2010 in San Diego, and plans call for 20 hotels around the world by 2020.
"We're here to unveil the next great chapter for Nickelodeon: connecting with kids and families everywhere," said Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO of MTV Networks, which operates Nickelodeon. "It's a terrific next step forward with a world-class partner for our booming recreation business."
Water parks will be the focal point of the hotels, where even the guest rooms and restaurants will be built with Nickelodeon themes for kids in mind, said J.W. Marriott Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott International.
"Besides being a great destination resort for families, we believe that these exciting properties will also attract younger adults and the young at heart," he said. "We expect these resorts to fill a very important segment of the marketplace, and we're very enthusiastic about the prospects for this new brand."
He said Miller Global will be the primary owner and developer of the hotels, which will be managed by Marriott.
NEW YORK -- Shares of Viacom Inc. hit a 52-week high Wednesday as the company unveiled a $4 billion stock-buyback program, announced the sale of its Famous Music Llc. music publishing unit, and president and CEO Philippe Dauman said at its annual shareholder meeting here that he is bullish on the future of Paramount Pictures and the overall company.
Chairman and controlling shareholder Sumner Redstone lauded his management team's track record to-date and the 29% stock increase it has overseen in less than a year. The stock went as high as $44.59 before closing up 1.5% at $44.53. The stock's previous year-high stood at $44.16.
Shareholders at the meeting defeated a proposal by three investors that Viacom sell the Paramount studio, with the plan only attracting 0.4% approval.
The event started just after Viacom announced an agreement to sell Famous Music -- for an estimated and better-than-expected $370 million -- to Sony/ATV, which is co-owned by Sony and trusts formed by singer Michael Jackson.
Top Viacom brass had a strong presence at the meeting, with Dauman welcoming Paramount Motion Picture Group chairman and CEO Brad Grey, MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath, BET Networks chairman and CEO Debra Lee and Tom Dooley, Viacom's senior executive vp and CFO.
Dauman lauded these executives' combined Viacom experience of nearly a century, earning laughs when starting to add: "And if you throw in Sumner ... ."
Redstone on Wednesday lauded Dauman and his team for their strategic vision, financial discipline and creative excellence, saying it was "one of the wisest decisions I've ever made" to make Dauman CEO.
Overall, the chairman said he is "really confident" about the company's long-term outlook.
More specifically, Redstone added that the firm is "truly hitting its stride in the digital world."
Viacom's continued push into the digital space indeed was one key theme of the investor gathering.
Chairman and controlling shareholder Sumner Redstone lauded his management team's track record to-date and the 29% stock increase it has overseen in less than a year. The stock went as high as $44.59 before closing up 1.5% at $44.53. The stock's previous year-high stood at $44.16.
Shareholders at the meeting defeated a proposal by three investors that Viacom sell the Paramount studio, with the plan only attracting 0.4% approval.
The event started just after Viacom announced an agreement to sell Famous Music -- for an estimated and better-than-expected $370 million -- to Sony/ATV, which is co-owned by Sony and trusts formed by singer Michael Jackson.
Top Viacom brass had a strong presence at the meeting, with Dauman welcoming Paramount Motion Picture Group chairman and CEO Brad Grey, MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath, BET Networks chairman and CEO Debra Lee and Tom Dooley, Viacom's senior executive vp and CFO.
Dauman lauded these executives' combined Viacom experience of nearly a century, earning laughs when starting to add: "And if you throw in Sumner ... ."
Redstone on Wednesday lauded Dauman and his team for their strategic vision, financial discipline and creative excellence, saying it was "one of the wisest decisions I've ever made" to make Dauman CEO.
Overall, the chairman said he is "really confident" about the company's long-term outlook.
More specifically, Redstone added that the firm is "truly hitting its stride in the digital world."
Viacom's continued push into the digital space indeed was one key theme of the investor gathering.
- 5/31/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MTV Networks is expected to announce 250 layoffs this week, according to an internal memo issued by Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO of the beleaguered Viacom-owned division.
Most of the cuts will likely be disclosed Tuesday, sources said, and will likely claim some senior executives. Affected departments could not be determined Monday, but the reductions are being made with an eye on consolidating functions at a company that has long maintained a decentralized structure to keep its myriad brands, including MTV, VH1 and Comedy Central, in operation.
The reductions will be made all week and all told, should represent about 6% of MTV Nets's global work force.
McGrath did not reveal which properties would be most affected, but hinted that the company was looking to grow its new-media assets.
"In the U.S., we will build resources against some new businesses -- our interactive properties and some of our new networks -- and we will make reductions in others," she wrote.
Most of the cuts will likely be disclosed Tuesday, sources said, and will likely claim some senior executives. Affected departments could not be determined Monday, but the reductions are being made with an eye on consolidating functions at a company that has long maintained a decentralized structure to keep its myriad brands, including MTV, VH1 and Comedy Central, in operation.
The reductions will be made all week and all told, should represent about 6% of MTV Nets's global work force.
McGrath did not reveal which properties would be most affected, but hinted that the company was looking to grow its new-media assets.
"In the U.S., we will build resources against some new businesses -- our interactive properties and some of our new networks -- and we will make reductions in others," she wrote.
- 2/12/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Viacom Inc.'s MTV Networks unit said Wednesday that its 24-hour college network, mtvU, has agreed to acquire RateMyProfessors.com for an undisclosed amount. The free Web site boasts more than 6.6 million user-generated ratings of more than 900,000 college professors.
"This deal marks another step forward in our overall digital strategy and brings a large, active and engaged community of college students to our growing online portfolio," MTVN chairman and CEO Judy McGrath said. The deal is expected to close during the current first quarter.
"This deal marks another step forward in our overall digital strategy and brings a large, active and engaged community of college students to our growing online portfolio," MTVN chairman and CEO Judy McGrath said. The deal is expected to close during the current first quarter.
- 1/18/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MTV Networks president and chief operating officer Michael Wolf has resigned after 15 months on the job, the company confirmed Thursday.
Also leaving the company is Nicole Browning, a 21-year MTV Networks veteran who has been president of affiliate sales and marketing for the past six years. The news of Browning and Wolf's departure hit on the same day that MTV Networks faced the media with its presentations at the Television Critics Assn. winter press tour in Pasadena. The corporate shake-up overshadowed MTV's big announcement of the day, that producer Mark Burnett has been enlisted to produce this year's MTV Movie Awards, which will air live for the first time this year.
"Michael's been a longtime strategic partner to MTV Networks, and we're grateful to have had his undivided attention devoted to our company for the past year," MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath said in a statement. "Michael completed a strong and actionable long-range plan and brought some of our best and brightest minds in to the company."
Former consulting guru Wolf, who according to sources had about two years left on his contract, said Thursday that he felt it was "a good moment" for him to move on. "We have accomplished a lot", he said.
Wolf is expected to negotiate an arrangement that would drop a noncompete clause in his initial contract and allow him to move into a senior executive role at another entertainment company.
Also leaving the company is Nicole Browning, a 21-year MTV Networks veteran who has been president of affiliate sales and marketing for the past six years. The news of Browning and Wolf's departure hit on the same day that MTV Networks faced the media with its presentations at the Television Critics Assn. winter press tour in Pasadena. The corporate shake-up overshadowed MTV's big announcement of the day, that producer Mark Burnett has been enlisted to produce this year's MTV Movie Awards, which will air live for the first time this year.
"Michael's been a longtime strategic partner to MTV Networks, and we're grateful to have had his undivided attention devoted to our company for the past year," MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath said in a statement. "Michael completed a strong and actionable long-range plan and brought some of our best and brightest minds in to the company."
Former consulting guru Wolf, who according to sources had about two years left on his contract, said Thursday that he felt it was "a good moment" for him to move on. "We have accomplished a lot", he said.
Wolf is expected to negotiate an arrangement that would drop a noncompete clause in his initial contract and allow him to move into a senior executive role at another entertainment company.
- 1/12/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MTV Networks president and chief operating officer Michael Wolf has stepped down after 15 months on the job.
Also leaving the company is Nicole Browning, president of affiliate sales and marketing.
"Michael's been a long-time strategic partner to MTV Networks, and we're grateful to have had his undivided attention devoted to our company for the past year," said MTV Networks' chairman and CEO Judy McGrath. "We accomplished everything we set out to do together, restructuring our Ad Sales and our Affiliate Sales and Marketing businesses for the multiplatform world by bringing in digital sales expertise and expanding the reach of our distribution strategy to include VOD, wireless, and Internet partners. Michael completed a strong and actionable long-range plan, and brought some of our best and brightest minds in to the company."
Former consulting guru Wolf, who according to sources had about two years left on his contract, told The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday that he felt it was "a good moment" for him to move on.
Also leaving the company is Nicole Browning, president of affiliate sales and marketing.
"Michael's been a long-time strategic partner to MTV Networks, and we're grateful to have had his undivided attention devoted to our company for the past year," said MTV Networks' chairman and CEO Judy McGrath. "We accomplished everything we set out to do together, restructuring our Ad Sales and our Affiliate Sales and Marketing businesses for the multiplatform world by bringing in digital sales expertise and expanding the reach of our distribution strategy to include VOD, wireless, and Internet partners. Michael completed a strong and actionable long-range plan, and brought some of our best and brightest minds in to the company."
Former consulting guru Wolf, who according to sources had about two years left on his contract, told The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday that he felt it was "a good moment" for him to move on.
- 1/11/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Viacom's MTV Networks said Monday that it has created a new unit devoted to mobile endeavors.
Dubbed MTVN Mobile Media, the entity will be dedicated to managing mobile partnerships and content distribution and will support the teams at the individual MTVN brands in developing mobile content and applications including personalization, entertainment, information and messaging products.
The unit will be led by Greg Clayman, who has been promoted from vp wireless strategy and operations at MTV Networks to senior vp of MTVN Mobile Media. Clayman will report to Mika Salmi, president of MTVN Global Digital Media, and Nicole Browning, president of MTVN affiliate sales and marketing.
"MTVN Mobile Media will help our brands take it even further in distribution and product development, and it will expand our global wireless footprint even more, so the communities around our brands can access our content anywhere," MTVN chairman and CEO Judy McGrath said.
MTVN publishes more than 600 clips and 30 hours of mobile video per month in the U.S.
Dubbed MTVN Mobile Media, the entity will be dedicated to managing mobile partnerships and content distribution and will support the teams at the individual MTVN brands in developing mobile content and applications including personalization, entertainment, information and messaging products.
The unit will be led by Greg Clayman, who has been promoted from vp wireless strategy and operations at MTV Networks to senior vp of MTVN Mobile Media. Clayman will report to Mika Salmi, president of MTVN Global Digital Media, and Nicole Browning, president of MTVN affiliate sales and marketing.
"MTVN Mobile Media will help our brands take it even further in distribution and product development, and it will expand our global wireless footprint even more, so the communities around our brands can access our content anywhere," MTVN chairman and CEO Judy McGrath said.
MTVN publishes more than 600 clips and 30 hours of mobile video per month in the U.S.
- 12/19/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MTVN Networks on Thursday announced the formation of its third branded portfolio group, which focuses on its adult-directed and male-oriented properties.
Dubbed MTVN Entertainment Group, the group combines TV, online, broadband, user-generated content and gaming platforms and includes Comedy Central, Spike TV, TV Land, AddictingClips.com, Atom Films, iFilm, GameTrailers.com and XFire.
Doug Herzog, formerly president of Comedy Central, Spike TV and TV Land, will lead the newly formed entity -- which joins MTVN Music, Logo and Films Group and MTVN Kids and Family Group -- as president of MTVN Entertainment Group. He will continue to report to MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath.
"The individual brands in the Entertainment Group have significant growth potential in their own right, but we can now position them to aggregate and deliver men and adults across all platforms and on a scale rivaling other players in our industry," Herzog said.
Added McGrath, "Formalizing the Entertainment Group under Doug organizes us into three focused portfolio groups and highlights our overall strategy to provide the communities that form around our brands and content with immersive, multiplatform entertainment experiences."...
Dubbed MTVN Entertainment Group, the group combines TV, online, broadband, user-generated content and gaming platforms and includes Comedy Central, Spike TV, TV Land, AddictingClips.com, Atom Films, iFilm, GameTrailers.com and XFire.
Doug Herzog, formerly president of Comedy Central, Spike TV and TV Land, will lead the newly formed entity -- which joins MTVN Music, Logo and Films Group and MTVN Kids and Family Group -- as president of MTVN Entertainment Group. He will continue to report to MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath.
"The individual brands in the Entertainment Group have significant growth potential in their own right, but we can now position them to aggregate and deliver men and adults across all platforms and on a scale rivaling other players in our industry," Herzog said.
Added McGrath, "Formalizing the Entertainment Group under Doug organizes us into three focused portfolio groups and highlights our overall strategy to provide the communities that form around our brands and content with immersive, multiplatform entertainment experiences."...
- 12/7/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- The rise of such Web video sites as Google Video and YouTube doesn't threaten television, a group of TV and new-media executives said. The "Television in the Age of Web Video" panel Friday at Wired NextFest featured some of the industry's top executives, including NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker, MTV Networks CEO Judy McGrath, CBS Corp. Digital Media president Larry Kramer, Discovery Networks president Billy Campbell and Google Video director Jennifer Feiken. None of them believed that TV was in imminent danger of being replaced by Web video but instead said that Web video was best used for promotion or driving viewers back to the TV. "It's definitely not a substitute in any way," Feiken said. Zucker said you can't look down on the quality of user-generated content and its appeal; he said that the industry probably should have figured that out long ago with the success of "America's Funniest Home Videos".
- 10/1/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Longtime MTV Networks executive Herb Scannell, who steered the rapid-fire growth of Nickelodeon in TV and other arenas during the past 10 years, has resigned his post as vice chairman MTV Networks. With his departure, MTV Networks has restructured the management hierarchy at Nickelodeon and its sibling networks, appointing former Nickelodeon Television president Cyma Zarghami to head the newly created MTV Networks Kids and Family Group. In a statement issued Wednesday, Scannell said he "felt it was the right time to move to the next leadership position in my career." MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath hailed Scannell for his contributions to the company's stellar growth during the past 17 years. "He has guided Nickelodeon Networks to an unrivaled leadership position and has broadened its businesses to engage viewers beyond the TV screen in licensing, movies, recreation and much more," McGrath said. "He is a true innovator, and he is leaving a great legacy for our company and the industry."...
Longtime MTV Networks executive Herb Scannell, who steered the rapid-fire growth of Nickelodeon in TV and other arenas during the past 10 years, has resigned his post as vice chairman MTV Networks. With his departure, MTV Networks has restructured the management hierarchy at Nickelodeon and its sibling networks, appointing former Nickelodeon Television president Cyma Zarghami to head the newly created MTV Networks Kids and Family Group. In a statement issued Wednesday, Scannell said he "felt it was the right time to move to the next leadership position in my career." MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath hailed Scannell for his contributions to the company's stellar growth during the past 17 years. "He has guided Nickelodeon Networks to an unrivaled leadership position and has broadened its businesses to engage viewers beyond the TV screen in licensing, movies, recreation and much more," McGrath said. "He is a true innovator, and he is leaving a great legacy for our company and the industry."...
MTV Networks has named Michael J. Wolf president and chief operating officer. Formerly managing partner of McKinsey & Co.'s media division, Wolf will lead all aspects of the Viacom subsidiary's business, including advertising sales, business development and technology, with an emphasis on pushing a multi-platform strategy. "I know that Michael's compelling vision about the digital future of our industry will allow us take full advantage of new and emerging opportunities in today's marketplace," said Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO of MTV Networks, to whom Wolf will report. Wolf will join McGrath's executive strategy team, which includes MTV Networks International president Bill Roedy and Nickelodeon Networks president Herb Scannell. Wolf's position had been vacant at MTV Networks since McGrath was elevated to chairman and CEO in July 2004. Mark Rosenthal previously served at the post, but left the company when McGrath was tapped to replace Tom Freston, who was named co-president and co-chief operating officer of Viacom.
- 11/1/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MTV Networks has promoted Jason Hirschhorn to the newly created position of chief digital officer, the company said Thursday. In his new capacity, Hirschhorn will be the top executive overseeing the expansion of the Viacom division's many brands, including MTV and Nickelodeon, into such new platforms as broadband, online and wireless. Hirschhorn also will spearhead new business development in digital media, as he did with the acquisition of video Web site iFilm. "Jason's entrepreneurial and executive strengths make him an excellent choice to lead MTV Networks' multiplatform efforts," MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath said. "Jason will play a critical role in helping our brands reach the next level of digital media while bringing new scale and speed to our collective efforts on the interactive front." Hirschhorn will report to McGrath and represent the digital businesses on her executive strategy team. He was senior vp digital music and media. Hirschhorn joined MTV Networks in 2000 as vp product development of sonicnet.com, a music site MTV acquired.
- 10/28/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- With a pitch aimed at Main Street America, both coasts and everywhere in between, MTV Networks told Madison Avenue that it touched everyone, everywhere, every way. The Viacom cable division's third annual upfront at the Madison Square Garden Theatre was another star-filled affair, mixing celebrities, humor, music and a blend of subtle (and not-so-subtle) attempts to gain a greater share of marketing dollars for the white-hot young adult demographic. MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath said MTV is the nation's No. 1 media brand among young adults. "We have the most loyal, creative and wired viewership in the world," she said. Perhaps the biggest news at the upfront went unannounced: MTV Networks' Comedy Central has lured Jeff Lucas, president of advertising sales at NBC Universal's cable division, as its new senior vp ad sales. The hiring was completed Tuesday, according to sources. NBC Uni declined comment. In his new job, Lucas will report to Hank Close, executive vp ad sales at MTVN.
Viacom's MTV Networks on Wednesday promoted two of its top executives to the newly created positions of vice chairmen. Herb Scannell, president of Nickelodeon Networks, and Bill Roedy, president of MTV Networks International, will take on the new posts and expand their oversight to creating new assets for the already vast MTV Networks, which recently launched its 100th channel worldwide. Scannell and Roedy will report to MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath, who disclosed that the two men will take over responsibilities held by Mark Rosenthal, former president and chief operating officer of MTV Networks. Rosenthal left the company in July when he was passed over for the post currently occupied by McGrath.
- 3/17/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.