Copyright The Hollywood Reporter
The reoganization at Paramount Skydance is continuing. A week after a heavy round of layoffs, the company is reorganizing its linear TV business under George Cheeks, chair of TV media at Paramount. The changes will add cable outlets BET, Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon (among others) to Cheeks’ portfolio in the TV Media division alongside broadcast network CBS. “These brands have entertained audiences and shaped culture for decades,” Cheeks wrote in a memo to staff Tuesday (read it in full, below). “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.” As part of the changes, Laurel Weir, previously executive vp and head of programming, strategic insights and research for Paramount Media Networks (the previous name for the cable group) will lead programming and global acquisitions for Paramount TV Media. Jules Borkent will head Nickelodeon Kids. Family’s business and strategy, while Ashley Kaplan and Alec Botnick lead Nick’s animation studio. Ari Pearce will head Comedy Central after previously working as senior vp programming and development at the channel. Sitarah Pendelton will oversee MTV’s series and specials, and Jeannie Scalzo will team with Weir to head MTV’s business side. Trevor Rose moves over from Paramount TV Studios as head of talent and content strategy, and Nadja Webb will oversee music initiatives while continuing to head programming operation and business affairs for BET. Cheeks’ memo to staff is below. Team, Thank you for your resilience during this difficult time of transformation. Saying goodbye to valued colleagues is never easy, and your continued commitment speaks volumes. 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. Purpose 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. This is a moment to embrace new ideas and focus on what truly makes an impact on our business. It is essential that we clarify priorities and be intentional in all we do. We also need to be honest about what’s not working and give our teams agency to rethink legacy processes that no longer move the needle. Let’s share expertise and work together because our success depends on how we show up for each other and for our audiences. Let’s move forward with purpose, creativity and a shared commitment to shaping what’s next. Leadership As part of our new TV Media division, the Paramount cable brands will have a new structure with new leadership assigned as follows:• Laurel Weir will lead programming for multiple brands including MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and other cable networks, and will oversee the Global Programming Acquisitions Group across TV Media. Nickelodeon: • Jules Borkent will oversee Nickelodeon Kids & Family’s business and strategy, working in partnership with key stakeholders to maximize the Nick brand. • Ashley Kaplan and Alec Botnick will lead Nickelodeon’s animation studio for digital, television and streaming, overseeing the brand’s beloved series such as SPONGEBOB and PAW PATROL and developing new ones. They will also oversee animated development across the CBS, Comedy Central, and MTV brands for owned and third-party platforms. Comedy Central: • Ari Pearce will lead Comedy Central, including new comedy development and oversight of hit series like SOUTH PARK and THE DAILY SHOW. MTV: • Sitarah Pendelton will lead all MTV series and specials including signature franchises like RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE. • Jeannie Scalzo will partner with Laurel Weir to lead the MTV business. Across the cable brands, Trevor Rose will lead talent and content strategy; and Nadja Webb will oversee all music initiatives, working closely with Laurel Weir, and will maintain oversight of Programming Operation and Business Affairs for BET. Finally, our cross-divisional TV Media leads supporting all our broadcast, studios and cable businesses are: Bryon Rubin (COO & CFO); Mike Benson (Marketing); Allison Brightman and Jeeun Kim (Business Affairs); Whitney Delich (Human Resources); Chris Ender (Communications); Jeff Gerttula (Digital); Liz Miller (Production); Jeannie Scalzo (Brand Strategy & IP Monetization); Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i (Content Engagement & Partnerships); and Laurel Weir (Strategic Insights & Research). What’s Next I’m working closely with our leadership team to refine our vision, priorities and goals for the path ahead. We’ll share more as soon as possible. Thank you for everything you do. I believe in this team and in what we’re building as we shape the future of TV media together. George
