CMT realigns dev under Cox as Dinsmore exits

Viacom is centralising development at its US cable channel CMT under Paramount Network’s Keith Cox, with Jayson Dinsmore exiting as a result.

Cox is now leading development for CMT, TVLand and the upcoming Paramount Network, which is soon to replace Spike TV.

Dinsmore (pictured) will leave his post as executive VP of development as Cox consolidates his position as Paramount Net, CMT and TV Land president Kevin Kay’s president of development.

In a seven-year spell at CMT, Dinsmore is credited with reviving country music drama Nashville and upping original quotas. He has joined from NBC

Kay has been overseeing the rebranding of male-skewed Spike into general entertainment channel Paramount Network since Viacom president and CEO Bob Bakish unveiled a new strategy in February.

He was handed control of country music-focused CMT and TV Land as they consolidated into the Viacom Global Entertainment Group, which also comprises Comedy Central, MTV, MTV 2, VH1, Logo and Viacom International Media Networks.

Other exits from CMT this year have included former president Brian Philips, who exited after 16 years following Frank Tanki’s promotion to general manager.