Copyright Deadline
Paramount has cemented the new leadership of its cable brands such as MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon as it sets out plans to “reinvent” these brands. George Cheeks, Chair of TV Media at Skydance-owned Paramount, has named its top executives across these networks, following last week’s layoffs, which saw the departure of a phalanx of cable employees. Laurel Weir will lead programming for MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and other cable networks, and will also oversee the Global Programming Acquisitions Group across TV Media. Weir rose up the company having joined in research. Sitarah Pendelton will oversee MTV series and specials including its RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise, while Jeannie Scalzo will lead the MTV business alongside Weir. Pendelton was previously EVP, Unscripted Series, Paramount Media Networks and Paramount+, while Scalzo was EVP, Brand Partnerships at Paramount Media Networks. At Nickelodeon, Jules Borkent, who has been with the kids channel since 1998, largely on the international side, will oversee Nickelodeon Kids & Family’s business and strategy. Ashley Kaplan and Alec Botnick will oversee its animation studio across digital, television and streaming, overseeing Spongebob Squarepants and Paw Patrol as well as being in charge of developing new franchises. Kaplan, who was previously EVP, Unscripted and Digital Franchise Studios, and Botnick, who was EVP, Comedy Development, Head of Animation and Alternative, at CBS Studios will also oversee animated development across CBS, Comedy Central, and MTV. As evidenced by yesterday’s Jon Stewart reup at The Daily Show, Ari Pearce will lead Comedy Central, overseeing the late-night show and South Park. Trevor Rose, who was EVP, Head of Global Talent and Content Development for Showtime/MTVE, will lead talent and content strategy. Having gutted its music department in the recent cuts, Nadja Webb, who is EVP, Programming Operations & Business and Legal Affairs for BET, will oversee music initiatives while keeping her previous role. Across TV Media, Bryon Rubin is COO & CFO, Mike Benson leads marketing, Allison Brightman and Jeeun Kim oversee business affairs, Whitney Delich run human resources, Chris Ender oversees communications, Jeff Gerttula runs digital, Liz Miller is in charge of production, Jeannie Scalzo remains in charge of brand strategy and IP monetization, Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i leads content engagement and partnerships and Laurel Weir continues to run strategic insights and research. Cheeks thanked staff for their “resilience during this difficult time of transformation”. “As we move forward, I want to share our vision for the newly aligned TV Media division – a powerhouse of iconic brands and creative talent. This group includes CBS alongside BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and more. These brands have entertained audiences and shaped culture for decades. While the industry has changed considerably, their brand identities and creative voices are meaningful and remain strong. Together, we will reimagine how we leverage their power across platforms in ways that reflect today’s audiences and tomorrow’s possibilities,” he wrote in an internal note to staff. “Our purpose is clear: to reinvent and strengthen our brands to build a stronger future that’s rooted in exceptional storytelling across entertainment, news and sports. We’ll celebrate each brand, while leaning into franchises, driving revenue, growing viewership and deepening engagement across platforms. Our cable brands will focus on a more curated slate, optimizing programming and marketing resources to amplify what resonates most. That means leaning into franchises like Spongebob, Paw Patrol, RuPaul’s Drag Race, South Park, Ms. Pat and The Daily Show, while continuing to develop new IP across our studios and seeking new ways to amplify and connect with audiences,” he added.
