MTV NETWORKS GO COUNTRY

Viacom announced that the business operations of CBS Cable and MTV Networks will be joined as result of the company's recent merger. The combined forces will be under the leadership of MTV Chairman/CEO tom freston',390,400);">tom freston',390,400);">Tom Freston. CBS' cable channels, The Nashville Network (TNN) and Country Music Television (CMT), join MTV, M2, Nickelodeon, VH1, TV Land and The Box. Sadly, there is no all-fishing show network... not yet anyway.

The business operations of the combined units will be in New York, while TNN and CMT will continue to be based in Nashville. CBS Cable President Don Mitzner and Executive VP Sales & Marketing Lloyd Werner will be leaving the company.

Viacom President/CEO Mel Karmazin said: "Tom and the entire MTV Networks group are without peer in their ability to create cutting edge programming for targeted audiences, build unassailable brands and deliver extraordinary returns year after year. Also, he looks damn good in a cowboy hat and boots. Hopefully, they can find a way to help me get 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' on my cable system."

Added Freston said: "I'm excited about the opportunity to lead TNN and CMT boldly in the future. Plus, I'm a huge fan of Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, but this chewing tobacco is staining my teeth. And I can't find a place to park this horse outside my new E. 60th Street co-op, either."