NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Eric Sherman, an executive of more than two decades at MTV Networks, has been named president of fuse, the nation's only viewer-influenced music television network. Coinciding with his new position, fuse will move within the Cablevision Systems Corporation family of companies, becoming a fourth division of Madison Square Garden, alongside MSG Entertainment, MSG Media and MSG Sports.
Sherman will be responsible for overseeing fuse's programming, marketing and development activities, as well as its digital offerings, which include on-line, on-demand and mobile applications. He will also be responsible for expanding fuse's current interactive offerings and further developing content and branding initiatives across new media platforms.
"We are very pleased that Eric has agreed to join us and apply his breadth and depth of experience in the development and evolution of television to fuse at such a crucial time in the channel's history," said Hank Ratner, vice chairman of Cablevision Systems Corporation and Madison Square Garden. "We are confident that Eric will help fuse expand its programming and on-line operation and broaden the network's viewership within and beyond the highly coveted 12-34 year old demographic, which has already developed a strong following for the channel's irreverent and innovative content."
"Bringing fuse under the MSG umbrella, which is continuing its multi-faceted music strategy, better positions all of our assets to take advantage of the enormous opportunities for growth," added Ratner. "We believe that the strength of Madison Square Garden with its legendary venues, entertainment properties, teams and award-winning television networks, together with the youthful dominance and national reach of fuse is a powerful combination that strengthens our overall business."
A 20-year veteran of MTV, Sherman formerly served as senior vice president and general manager of VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Classic Records and MHD (MTV's HD channel) at MTV Networks, where he played a pivotal role in the day-to-day management and growth strategies of several MTV channels and initiatives over his twenty years at MTV. During his tenure, he launched VH1 Classic Records, developed and executive-produced the critically acclaimed "Decades Rock Live," grew VH1 Classic into a top performing emerging network and executed the first multi-platform deal at Viacom for MTV2 with Intel.
"I am thrilled to lead fuse at such an exciting time in its history, particularly as it becomes a part of such an incredible organization as Madison Square Garden," said Sherman. "Madison Square Garden is the undisputed mecca of all things entertainment and music and has embarked on a period of significant growth, led by some of the best talent in the industry. I think that fuse can be a valuable part of that growth explosion, and look forward to working with the outstanding people at fuse and the Garden to make that happen."
–Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
