Ex-VH1 exec takes CBS alternative spot

Former VH1 reality chief Susan Levison has joined US broadcaster CBS in a senior alternative programming post.

She has been named senior VP, alternative programming at the Eye Network’s CBS Television Studios.

She’ll work with and report to CBS TV Studios senior executive VP, alternative programming Ghen Maynard to create and develop unscripted programming for all broadcast and cable channels, streaming services and digital platforms.

Her appointment comes soon after CBS’s network alternative chief, Chris Castallo, announced he was leaving.

That news came days after CBS Entertainment president Glenn Geller took medical leave after suffering a heart attack. He will not be present at next month’s upfront, but will return to his role.

Since leaving Viacom-owned VH1 at the end of 2015, Levison has been executive producer on the network’s Sony Pictures Television-produced reality series Daytime Divas.

While running VH1, she oversaw all original programming and development, plus talent development. She launched shows such as Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood.

Before that, she was at producer FishBowl Worldwide Media, and began her career at Fox, where she worked on shows such as Paradise Hotel and The Simple Life.

“I’ve known Susan a long time and am excited to have her join me in building our alternative operations at the Studio,” said CBS TV Studios’ Maynard, who rejoined CBS in October last year. “She brings an entrepreneurial spirit that I’ve long admired, as well as outstanding creative chops as a producer, seller and buyer.”