Viacom’s MTV Networks said Wednesday that it is reorganizing its MTV cable channel to better position the network to take advantage of growth opportunities offered by the array of emerging distribution platforms.
As part of the realignment, the network will be split into two operations. One will focus on the developing of short-form video, music, video and news content for linear television, online, video-on-demand, broadband, wireless and other new forms of digital media. The other will concentrate on continuing MTV’s growth through the creation of long-form franchises.
In conjunction with the new structure, several promotions were announced. Among them:
Amy Doyle, who had been VP of music programming, will become senior VP of music and talent, responsible for MTV’s overall music strategy and record label and artist relations.
Peter Baron, who had VP of label relations at MTV and MTV2, will now expand his duties to oversee programming for VOD, high-definition television and other new platforms. He reports to Ms. Doyle.
Tony DiBari, who had been VP of production, will be promoted to senior VP of production.
Dave Sirulnick, executive VP of news and production, will be promoted to executive VP of MTV multiplatform production, news and music, overseeing all of the news, music and production efforts at the channel. He will report to Brian Graden, president of entertainment at MTV Networks Music Group.
Lois Curren, executive VP of series development, has been promoted to executive VP of MTV Series Entertainment, overseeing all long-form television development and programming.
Tony DiSanto, senior VP of production, development and animation, was promoted to executive VP of series development and animation, and will expand his previous duties to also include serving as programming head of MTV2.
Paul DeBenedittis, senior VP of program planning and scheduling, was promoted to executive VP of multiplatform programming, content strategy and scheduling, responsible for selecting the appropriate platform for the short-form content produced by MTV. He will report both to Mr. Sirulnick and to Ms. Curren.
Tina Exarhos, executive VP of marketing, was promoted to executive VP of marketing and multiplatform creative, in charge of all branding efforts related to MTV’s long-form programming. She will report to MTV President Christina Norman.
