CBS hands PR exec alternative VP role

US network CBS has taken the unusual step of promoting the director of CBS Communications to become VP, alternative programming role.

Mitch Graham is more used to publicity than programming but will now oversee CBS’s reality slate, which includes Big Brother, Survivor, The Amazing Race and Undercover Boss.

His hired comes after former executive VP, alternative programming Jennifer Bresnan exited earlier this year and was replaced by Chris Castallo.

Graham will now report to Castallo, who said: “As a publicist who has long and deep roots in all of our franchises, there wasn’t a more valuable candidate than Mitch. As our go-to guy for many years, his established relationships with our producers will be invaluable going forward.”