BREAKING NEWS: MTV NETWORKS
REALIGNS CHANNELS

In a move hitsdailydouble.com first broke yesterday, MTV has announced expanded responsibilities for several of its top execs, including Judy McGrath, Bill Roedy, John Sykes and Van Toffler.

The promotions were designed to strengthen the MTVi music culture and to create a closer alignment between the networks and the Internet company, as well as address the increased size and scope of MTV Networks' burgeoning businesses.

The announcements were made by MTV Networks Chairman/CEO tom freston',390,400);">tom freston',390,400);">Tom Freston, who said: "With the recent addition of the two CBS Cable networks, TNN and CMT, and our fast-growing Internet and international businesses, the time is right to take a look at the way we're structured and make changes that will help us manage our growth most effectively. And try to prevent leaking the information on your danged Web site."

MTV President Judy McGrath now takes on the new position of President MTV Group and Chairman, Interactive Music, which will give her responsibility for The MTVi Group, with MTVi Group President/CEO Nicholas Butterworth now reporting to her. Current MTV GM/MTV Productions President Van Toffler becomes MTV Music Television/MTV2 President, also reporting to McGrath.

The widely admired McGrath joined MTV in 1981 as an on-air prompt writer. She took over programming, music, production and promotion in '91 and was named President of MTV in '93. She has overseen the channel's rise to all-time highs in viewership and ad revenue.

Said Freston: "Judy McGrath is a remarkably talented creative executive who has brilliantly led MTV from one success to another, growing the business dramatically along the way. Under Judy, MTV has become a magnet and home to a great array of creative talent. Teaming her with Nicholas Butterworth gives our online music operation a powerful advantage and clears the way for me to work on lowering my golf handicap."

Toffler came to the company in 1987 as Senior Counsel, Law & Business Affairs. He supervised the development and production of several film and TV projects for MTV, including "Beavis & Butt-head Do America," "Election" and "Varsity Blues," among others.

Added Freston: "Van Toffler has the rare combination of strong business acumen and great creative instincts. He and Judy have been great partners, resulting in more people watching MTV than ever in its history.Van is the perfect person to take MTV successfully on its next steps into the future. Besides that, he promises to get me a good table at the Ivy whenever I'm in L.A."

In addition, VH1 President John Sykes now takes on responsibility for Country Music Television (CMT), exchanging his Italian loafers for some Tony Lama cowboy boots, with CMT VP/GM Paul Hastaba and VP Music Industry Relations Paul Corbin reporting to him.

Commented Freston: "You could not find anyone better for this new job than John. Believe me, we tried. His drive, enthusiasm, creative instincts and business skills made VH1 a winner and will surely serve CMT well. I've already ordered a spittoon from Barney's for his office."

MTV is splitting the two former CBS Cable properties, TNN (The Nashville Network) and CMT, into two separate units to leverage the company's music television experience for CMT and to focus the company's resources on promoting TNN. Former TNN/CMT President David Hall will now focus exclusively on TNN as President.

Finally, MTV/VH1 International President Bill Roedy has been named MTV Networks International President, responsible for all MTV Networks operations outside the U.S.

Next thing you know, carson daly',390,400);">carson daly',390,400);">Carson Daly will be demanding a title change and a corner office.