Bob Bakish


CMT president Philips exits after 16 years

Brian Philips is leaving Viacom cable channel CMT after 16 years with the network. Frank Tanki has been handed control of the channel as president Philips steps down. Philips has joined as senior VP and general manager, riding to his current post in 2009. He told staff he had been considering an exit for some […]

Ex-AwesomenessTV chief joins Paramount

AwesomenessTV founder Brian Robbins as joined Paramount Pictures to lead a new youth-skewed division. Robbins will run Paramount Players, which will be devoted to producing films derived from the Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and BET brands. The move is the first major deal for Paramount since Fox veteran Jim Gianopulos became its chairman and CEO. […]

Reich to lead new Viacom product unit

Viacom has created a new division that will create multiplatform products that focus on video content and expand the reach of the existing Play Plex apps. Viacom Global Production Development Group is the latest sign of change at the US media giant since former international chief Bob Bakish became president and CEO. Dan Reich, who […]

Revamped VH1 unveils new slate

VH1 has unveiled its first slate since Bob Bakish took over parent company Viacom, ushering in management changes at the US cable net. Shed has one of the five new series and another Warner Bros. prodco, Renegade, another. Shed’s Baller Wives (WT) will follow pro athletes and their wives in Miami. The prodco already makes […]

BET programming chiefs exiting

Stephen Hill and Zola Mashariki are stepping down as programming chiefs at Viacom’s BET Networks. The pair are being replace in the interim by Connie Orlando, who will serve as head of programming until a full-time replacement is found. Hill is leaving his post as president of programming, a post he took up in December […]

Paramount finds CEO in Fox veteran

A Fox film veteran has been named CEO and chairman of Paramount Pictures, whose TV arm is behind Berlin Station and School of Rock. Jim Gianopulos succeeds Brad Grey in the role at the Viacom-owned film and TV studio following a two-month search. This puts him in charge of Paramount’s ailing film slate, television operations, […]

Paramount ties with Telefe for multi-lingual drama

Viacom’s recent acquisition of Argentinian broadcaster Telefe is already reaping rewards. Viacom-owned Paramount Television is teaming with Telefe to develop a one-hour drama series created by journalist-turned-TV writer Jason George (Narcos), Cazadores. This comes after Viacom beat competition to acquire Telefe for around US$345 million. Paramount TV is part of Paramount Pictures, the film arm […]

Viacom’s Armstrong to oversee int’l sales

Viacom International Media Networks has handed oversight on international programme and affiliate sales to BET and Spike’s non-US chief, Michael D. Armstrong. He will remain in command of the development of the BET, Spike and Paramount Channels internationally in his new post as executive VP and general manager, revenue and emerging brands for Viacom’s international […]

Gardner to landscape Paramount Network

TV Land development executive Brad Gardner has landed a promotion, and will work on original programming for upcoming US general entertainment channel Paramount Network. Gardner is currently senior VP of development and original programming at second tier Viacom cable channel TV Land, and has now added the soon-to-launch Paramount Network to his duties. His boss, […]

Viacom rejig continues as MTV’s Lehrer exits

MTV’s head of development, Eli Lehrer, is leaving the young adult-focused cable channel, as Bob Bakish’s reworking on Viacom’s management continues. VH1 development chief Lily Neumeyer has added MTV to his duties following executive VP Lehrer’s exit, which comes just three months after he was promoted. Neumeyer will now oversee MTV along with Nina Diaz, […]