MTV Networks has a new structure that expands the roles of both Judy McGrath and Herb Scannell, longtime leaders within MTV Networks. McGrath, formerly president of MTV Networks Music Group, will now become MTV Networks Group president, responsible for MTV, MTV2, VH1, CMT and Comedy Central, which officially joined Viacom and MTV Networks on May 22. Larry Divney, president of Comedy Central will report directly to McGrath. Scannell, formerly president, Nickelodeon, TV Land, and TNN will become MTV Networks Group president, responsible for Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, TV Land, Noggin and TNN-soon to be SPIKE TV.
"This structure places two of our best, most experienced, and most successful leaders in expanded roles that position us perfectly as we continue to expand as a company," said Tom Freston. chairman and CEO of MTV Networks. "Judy's accomplishments over the years speak for themselves. She has an unmatched creative vision and a proven ability to build, strengthen and transform powerful brands, and I am thrilled to have her take on this added role and new challenge. Herb is a remarkably talented creative executive who has brilliantly led the channels under his leadership from one success to another, dramatically growing their businesses along the way. His skills will serve us well as we launch Spike TV and aggressively grow that brand as the first network for men."
In these new roles, McGrath and Scannell will oversee the management of their respective networks and, in addition, they will now, together with Freston; Mark Rosenthal, president and COO of MTV Networks; and Bill Roedy, president, MTV Networks International, be part of a newly established MTV Networks Management Committee that will play the lead role in the management of the company.
