Viacom Names Tom Gorke Executive Vice President, Content Distribution

Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), the parent company of the Nickelodeon brand, today announced in a press release the promotion of Tom Gorke to Executive Vice President (EVP), Content Distribution. In this role, Gorke will oversee Viacom’s Media Networks distribution strategy and partnerships with all domestic affiliates. Gorke replaces Denise Denson, who is leaving the company.

Bob Bakish said, “Viacom is deeply committed to strengthening relationships with our distributors, and finding exciting new paths to bring our industry-leading content to their viewers. Tom has a track record of creative, successful dealmaking, including several major first-of-their-kind digital distribution agreements that helped launch groundbreaking streaming platforms for new entrants as well as existing MVPDs. He is a thoughtful executive who will be fully empowered to design new and innovative strategies to work with our important distribution partners.

Tom Gorke, Executive Vice President, Sales and Business Development, Content Distribution, Viacom Media Networks and BET Networks

“We thank Denise Denson for her many years of service and her extraordinary dedication to Viacom, and wish her all the best.”

Tom Gorke said, “Viacom’s cable networks are the most-watched in the U.S., and have more subscribers around the world than any other family. I’m looking forward to expanding my work for these brands and appreciate Bob’s confidence in me and my team. It’s an exciting time - the industry environment is constantly changing and I believe there continues to be great opportunity for our brands and programming. We’re looking forward to working closely with our distribution partners around the world to think flexibly and identify new ways to expand our businesses together.”

Previously, Tom Gorke was Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Content Distribution at Viacom Media Networks and BET Networks, leading sales and new business efforts for all linear and digital distribution partnerships across BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Logo, Spike TV, TV Land and VH1, as well as Viacom's joint venture EPIX. He additionally played a leading role in navigating Viacom’s evolution to new platforms. Prior to that position, Gorke served as Senior Vice President of Content Distribution and Marketing for Viacom Media Networks, where he was responsible for all of Viacom Media Networks' digital content distribution deals including subscription video aggregators, electronic sell-through providers and other mobile and internet-based content distributors.

Before joining Viacom in 2005, Gorke served as Manager of Strategy and Investments for the CBS Internet Group where he helped lead the origination, analysis and management of a portfolio of investments in internet companies. He began his career as an investment banker at Alex. Brown as a financial analyst in the Consumer Group. Gorke received an M.B.A. and a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

About Viacom

Viacom is home to premier global media brands that create compelling television programs, motion pictures, short-form content, apps, games, consumer products, social media experiences, and other entertainment content for audiences in more than 180 countries. Viacom's media networks, including Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Spike, BET, CMT, TV Land, Nick at Nite, Nick Jr., Logo, Nicktoons, TeenNick, Channel 5 (UK), Telefe (Argentina) and Paramount Channel, reach over 3.9 billion cumulative television subscribers worldwide. Paramount Pictures is a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

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Viacom International Media Networks The Americas Promotes Two Executives Within Canadian Office

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) The Americas has made two key executive promotions within its Canadian office.

Jon Graham (pictured) has been upped to Senior Vice President (SVP) & General Manager (GM), while Tanya Visano is stepping into the elevated role of Vice President (VP).

In his new role, Graham will continue overseeing all lines of business, including TV broadcast, content licensing and digital media for VIMN's key brands, which include MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central, as well as identifying new business and partnership opportunities in the Canadian market. He will continue reporting to Pierluigi Gazzolo, president of VIMN Americas.

Graham has served as VIMN America's GM & VP for Canada since 2010. He joined the company's Canadian operations in 2005 as director of marketing and international partnerships for Nickelodeon. Last year, he was nominated to the board of CMT Canada, Viacom's joint-venture with Corus Entertainment.

Visano, meanwhile, was formerly the senior director of Viacom Consumer Products. She has been responsible for driving Viacom's licensing business in Canada and leading its category management, marketing and retail sales. In her new role, she will lead the International Content division through and oversee Media & Publishing for all of VIMN's clusters, including Asia, Americas, Europe and Middle East, while she continues her current responsibilities as head of consumer products for Canada. Visano will report into Lisa Silverman Meyers, SVP and head of operations for Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) and Juan Acosta, Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of VIMN Americas.

Original source: Kidscreen.

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Viacom Confirms Nickelodeon USA To Premiere "School Of Rock" In Early 2016

Philippe Dauman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viacom, today, Thursday 12th November 2015, announced and confirmed the exciting news during Viacom's Q4 2015 earnings call that Nickelodeon USA will start to premiere and show Nickelodeon Productions and Paramount Television's brand-new live-action, musical-comedy series "School of Rock" from early 2016!

Inspired by the hit movie of the same name, "School of Rock" follows a unique group of prep school students who are in for the change of a lifetime when a down-on-his-luck musician poses as their substitute teacher. At first, the overachieving and rule-following kids are rather unimpressed, but their new teacher, Dewey, uses rock n' roll to ignite their inner expression.

"School of Rock" stars:

Tony Cavalero (Nickelodeon's "Splitting Adam") as "Dewey," a down-on-his-luck musician posing as a substitute teacher, who ultimately becomes the most unique and well-liked teacher the kids have ever had. Although he has an alternative approach to teaching and could probably learn more from his students about history or math, Dewey uses the language of rock n' roll to elevate and inspire his class of kids to reach new heights as the band called "School of Rock."

Ricardo Hurtado as "Freddy," the new kid who brings a fresh rebellious perspective to William B. Travis Prep School. He is an effortlessly "cool" kid who recognizes the opportunity in building the band with Dewey, and challenges the class to take risks in the name of having fun. Freddy is a good role model for Lawrence and Zack, has the same interests as Tomika, and supports Summer when it counts.

Lance Lim ("Growing Up Fisher") as "Zack," a reserved child of overbearing parents, who comes out of his shell as the band's electric guitarist. He walks the line between fearing the consequences of breaking the rules and embracing the independence that Dewey encourages. Zack is a good friend to all, and with the confidence he gains from the band he makes the choice to become his own man instead of a "Yale man."

Aidan Miner (Nickelodeon Creative Lab's "Homeroom") as "Lawrence" the quirky, technologically-inclined, unabashedly confident keyboardist for the band. He may miss social cues and create messes for the band, but his heart is always in the right place as a team player who completely embraces rock n' roll.

Jade Pettyjohn (Nickelodeon's "Henry Danger") as "Summer," the overachiever with perfect attendance and a blind ambition for academics. Not satisfied with playing tambourine in the band, she ultimately becomes the manager when she realizes she can use her organizational skills to the band's benefit. Summer learns to take risks and be a team player, especially when it means getting noticed by her crush, Freddy.

Breanna Yde (Nickelodeon's "The Haunted Hathaways") as "Tomika," is the fun-loving bass player who is a bit of a tomboy. Although more comfortable with a skateboard than a microphone, Tomika's peers soon learn that she is a double threat – a gifted bass guitarist who also has some powerful pipes. Tomika is grounded and knows who she is, which is why she is such a great best friend to Summer – together these girls can accomplish anything.

Additionally, Philippe Dauman also announced the Sponge-Tastic news that Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount Animation's third brand-new "SpongeBob SquarePants" movie, tentatively titled "SpongeBob SquarePants 3", is currently in production! The film, from the team that brought us the hit film "SpongeBob SquarePants: Sponge Out of Water", will again be directed by Paul Tibbitt and will feature the voices of Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, and Mr. Lawrence. "SpongeBob SquarePants 3" is due to be released in US theaters on Friday 8th February 2019.

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Interview With Caroline Beaton, Senior Vice President, International Programme Sales, Viacom International Media Networks

C21 Screenings recently unveiled a fantastic interview with Caroline Beaton, the Senior Vice President (SVP), International Programme Sales at Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN)! As part of the interview, Caroline talks about the company's progress over the last year, as well as Viacom's plans for the next year, including the launch of "The Ludwigs", a brand-new show set to debut on Nickelodeon Netherlands (Nederland) in 2016!

In "The Ludwigs", when the wealthy Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig mysteriously disappear, it's up to their five foster children to find out what happened. While they work to unravel the mystery, the kids must keep up appearances that everything's fine at home and fend off the Ludwig's greedy and duplicitous heirs. "The Ludwigs" is a Dutch production, shot in Amsterdam:

Dealing with increased competition

Viacom International Media Network's Caroline Beaton talks to C21 Screenings about the company's progress over the last year.


You can visit Viacom International Media Network's C21Screenings suite by clicking here.

C21: What programming currently defines your approach to market?

Beaton: We are very proud of our long-established reputation as market leaders in the kids and family space, as well as super-serving the 16-34 MTV generation.

We look forward to introducing our buyers to a host of brand new titles, adding to an increasing volume of high quality content that spans an ever-broader demographic range, even beyond our historical core strengths. Our current programming catalogue is more robust than ever with a healthy mix of kids, comedy, formats, reality and factual content. The addition of Spike, Channel 5 and UK-commissioned comedy content over the past year to our portfolio has expanded our appeal to an even wider global audience.



C21: What have been your most successful shows of the past six months and why? (Do they represent a trend, or a particular change in direction etc.?)

Beaton: Lip Sync Battle (LSB) from our Spike catalogue is our most successful format launch to date. The incredibly popular series represents the evolution of reality competition shows, by recognizing the huge potential of a short form piece of IP that went viral on the back of a late night network television in the US, and developing it into a prime time, long form international hit series.

The launch of the show earlier this year at MIPTV 2015 was meteoric, with multiple local version deals signed and in production by Summer 2015, and the format now licensed in more than 30 territories. The overwhelming interest we've received to date makes Lip Sync Battle a very exciting addition to our format portfolio, which typically derives success from its popular MTV titles, including Ex On The Beach and Are You The One, and MTV's latest addition (launching at MIPCOM) Say It In Song.

Our Nickelodeon content also continues to go from strength to strength, with recent break-out hits from our pre-school catalogue, including established hit PAW Patrol, which has so far been sold into 108 markets, and the more recent launch of Dora & Friends: Into the City which already airs across 25 major international markets.


C21: What changes in programming strategy have defined your business in the past year?

Beaton: It is very clear to us that our buyers need greater flexibility to be able to maximize and capitalize on the true value of our content. As viewers are shifting their viewing habits and consuming content on demand (particularly millennials who make up a large portion of our viewership), there is a greater need than ever before for content accessibility across multiple devices.

Kids too are proving to be one of the fastest groups to turn to applications and mobile devices to watch programs, so we have responded to the demands of even our very youngest viewers by structuring licensing agreements that correctly reflect the needs of the changing marketplace and also properly monetize these rights.

Whether providing content for kids or adults, Viacom's programming strategy endeavors to be truly platform agnostic – considering the best positioning for each show editorially, with the consistent aim of meeting viewers where they want to be met and selling as our buyers are buying.



C21: Outline your current catalogue and which shows are working best.

Beaton: Nickelodeon's portfolio of award-winning kids' content continues to be the mainstay of our business. Iconic evergreen animations including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – and more recent additions, including PAW Patrol and Blaze and the Monster Machines – continue to generate big numbers, which translates well into consumer product sales. Viacom's recent incarnation of the Dora franchise, Dora and Friends: Into the City, is garnering particular interest with our older preschool audience, enabling Nickelodeon's youngest fans to grow up with Dora.

Viacom has also witnessed an upswing in the volume of kids' live action, with popular hits, including 100 Things to Do Before High School (launching at MIPCOM), Every Witch Way (already in its third series) and successful spin-off series, Talia in the Kitchen.

From the Spike portfolio, Lip Sync Battle (which launched in April 2015) is Viacom's highest rating unscripted launch EVER, watched by 54 million viewers in the US, 1.4 million on Spike UK and 121 million views on YouTube.

The latest additions to the Comedy Central line-up, including the hotly anticipated Daily Show with Trevor Noah and UK original scripted commissions I Live With Models and Brotherhood, are continuing to draw interest from broadcasters around the world, as are popular formats including Drunk History (already a successful local production for Comedy Central UK) and The Daily Show (about to be locally produced in Georgia). Comedy Central is also extremely proud to have played a significant role in the success of its on-screen talent including Amy Schumer and Key and Peele.

Finally, Viacom's portfolio of MTV competitive reality series have gained significant traction internationally in recent months with local versions produced and on air including MTV's Are You The One in Denmark and Ex On The Beach in Sweden.


C21: What does the next six months have in store and how are you developing your business to meet changing demands?

Beaton: The content business is evolving at a ferocious pace, which creates a number of exciting opportunities for all involved. In order to keep up and capitalize on new developments, it's paramount that everything we do directly reflects both how viewers are viewing content and how buyers are buying programming. To remain successful in an increasingly competitive landscape, it's important to stay on top of the changing needs of the marketplace and to respond accordingly. We are constantly fine-tuning our in-the-field approach, client by client, country by country, show by show, platform by platform, in order to provide the very best content, and make it accessible for our audiences anytime, anywhere.


C21: What new shows are coming down the line that you think will succeed and why?

Beaton: The relaunch of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah is of course one of the most hotly anticipated and eagerly awaited moments of the Viacom calendar. Introducing Noah to our audiences will be extremely exciting and we are confident that he will bring a new, decidedly international spin to what is already one of the most successful franchises on TV. Comedy Central has an incredible track record of successfully nurturing some of the best young comedic talent into superstars and we are confident that Noah will be the very latest example of this.

Nickelodeon's brand new live action series Game Shakers, developed by the legendary creator Dan Schneider, is also premiering this September. The show centers around the trials and tribulations of a group of pre-teens who develop the most popular mobile game of the year, but who must also maintain their straight-A grades.

MTV's brand new music-driven reality series, Say It In Song, hosted by the ever-eccentric and engaging Red Foo, is another exciting addition to our schedules. With a simple yet hugely entertaining concept – featuring contestants who have to use specific songs to get an important message across – we are expecting audiences everywhere to want to join in the hilarity of this brand new, captivating series.

Finally, Spike UK's recent commission, Tattoo Disasters – which is already the fourth highest rating series for 16-24s in the UK, since launching in April 2015 – will certainly satisfy our audiences' prurient curiosity for things that go wrong, taking a close look at regretful ink jobs and their fixes.


C21: Which markets have shown most success for you and how are you developing new business?

Beaton: We're thrilled to have witnessed great success over the last year across all our brands and international markets, demonstrating the unrivalled ability of Viacom's content to cross borders and excite and engage audiences everywhere.

Most recently our comedy programming is making significant waves in Australia as a result of our long-standing relationship with Foxtel who acquire the bulk of our Comedy Central output.

Asia is also an exciting market that continues to provide a number of new distribution opportunities – particularly in China – with the rapid increase in the number of OTT platforms significantly expanding our access to the market.

In Europe, France continues to be a key market with our long-standing relationship with market leaderTF1 continuing to reflect the power and quality of our kids content; resulting in the recent renewal of our Nickelodeon output deal on the nations number one kids slot (with 25% market share) Tfou.


C21: What is your mission during the next year and what can channels expect from your company?

Beaton: Our overarching mission is to continue to deliver the highest quality content for viewers across all platforms.

For our kid audience, we will continue to deliver smart, funny, and diverse Nickelodeon content with truly global appeal and remain committed to championing new creative talent – both on and off screen. We especially look forward to unearthing and developing more series born outside of the US, following in the footsteps of successful series, including Talia in the Kitchen (originating in Latam) and The Ludwigs (The Netherlands).

For 16-34s, we will continue to produce and deliver the very best, high quality, captivating and engaging general entertainment across our MTV, Spike and Comedy Central brands. Whether it's jaw-dropping reality or laugh-out-loud lip-syncing celebrities, our audiences will be able to watch, engage, share and enjoy a host of new multi-platform content offerings coming down the pike.

Where comedy is concerned, buyers and viewers can expect to enjoy the same caliber of top-quality comedy series (spanning sketch shows, live action, irreverent news panel shows and animation) that they have come to know and love, including brand new additions Another Period, think Downton Abbey meets the Kardashians, and Moonbeam City, starring Rob Lowe. We look forward to continuing to work with the very best production companies in the business, including Will Ferrell's Funny or Die and Ben Stiller's Red Hour, to deliver even more great, irreverent comedy for grown-ups (and the not so grown up!)

C21: What are the biggest challenges going forwards and how are you going to meet them?


Beaton: The biggest challenge in the marketplace is competition – today's landscape is flooded with good quality programming coming from a number of different platforms and outlets, all fighting for our audience's attention. This presents both a blessing and curse. A blessing for those of us that love to watch great content and a curse for those of us selling it!

Because of this, we are determined to stay at the top of our game and continue to produce and distribute only the absolute best, high quality content. We will also must remain agile and respond quickly to viewers changing needs and demands. It's inevitable that the wish lists of programmers and platforms will continue to evolve and change, often quickly, so we intend to keep reacting accordingly and by ensuring our programming and distribution strategies remain fluid and adaptable and that our "best in class" reputation is maintained.

Lucy Scott
14-09-2015
©C21Media

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Viacom Continues to Expand Commitment to Data Strategy with Latest Highly Regarded Hire, Julian Zilberbrand

Original Viacom Inc. Press Release via Business Wire:

Viacom Continues to Expand Commitment to Data Strategy with Latest Highly Regarded Hire, Julian Zilberbrand

Zilberbrand Named Executive Vice President of Audience Science at Viacom

October 02, 2015 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA) today announced Julian Zilberbrand as Executive Vice President of Audience Science. He will oversee three key areas in the data strategy division: Audience Onboarding and Segmentation; Advanced Analytics; and, Digital Media Executions. Zilberbrand begins October 19 and will report to Kern Schireson, Executive Vice President of Data Strategy and Consumer Intelligence.

Julian Zilberbrand joins Viacom as Executive Vice President of Audience Science, part of the Data Strategy division (Photo: Business Wire)

Viacom's leadership in developing game-changing proprietary data solutions includes products such as the predictive engine Viacom Vantage and Echo Social Graph, which measures effectiveness of ad partners' custom social media campaigns.

"Viacom's dedication to remaining the leader in data science and strategy is evident in the speed at which we are developing new tools and solutions at this pivotal time in the industry," said Schireson. "Julian is part of a growing list of world-class data talent to join us for the huge opportunities during this transformational time in media, and he offers his team a very special perspective informed by his visibility into the broad industry landscape."

Zilberbrand's Audience Science group encompasses data and audience development functions, specifically:

* Audience Onboarding & Segmentation (Data Sourcing, Partnerships & Architecture) – Responsible for building the infrastructure architecture that allows Viacom to successfully ingest disparate data sets across linear, digital and off-line behavior and marry the data to actionable 360 executions and effectiveness measurements.

* Advanced Analytics – Works closely with the Audience Onboarding and Segmentation teams to draw insights and actionable models and methods to support both Sales and Marketing teams.

* Digital Media Executions - Harnesses our 1st party and outside data sources and leverages them to target and message across all forms of digital – display, video, social and cross-device.

"From the outside, I have been watching for years as Viacom led the industry in taking the necessary steps to stay ahead of changing consumer media consumption," said Zilberbrand. "I was drawn to the opportunity at Viacom because there are few companies who are as poised to move forward so quickly and pioneer new paths in data. It reflects the company's unified focus at every level in the company."

Zilberbrand joins Viacom from ZenithOptimedia, where he served as Executive Vice President of Activation Standards, Insights and Technology where he managed the activations standards, digital operations, analytics, technology and strategic partnerships groups. Prior to his work at ZenithOptimedia, he was Senior Vice President and Global Digital Director of Strategic Partnerships and Technology Solutions at Starcom Mediavest Group. Previously, he held product development and operational roles at Eyeblaster and Doubleclick.

About Viacom

Viacom is home to premier global media brands that create compelling television programs, motion pictures, short-form video, apps, games, consumer products, social media and other entertainment content for audiences in 180 countries. Viacom's media networks, including Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Spike, BET, CMT,TV Land, Nick at Nite, Nick Jr., Channel 5 (UK), Logo, Nicktoons, TeenNick and Paramount Channel, reach a cumulative 3.4 billion television subscribers worldwide. Paramount Pictures is a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com. Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom's blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/viacom.

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Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Northern Europe Appoints Pete Flamman As SVP Of Brands

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Northern Europe has announced in the following press release, from Nickelodeon Germany's (Deutschland) "Nick Pressecenter", that Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Northern Europe has named Pete Flamman as Senior Vice President (SVP) of brands! In the newly created position, Flamman will be responsible for all VIMN brands in Northern Europe, starting in September 2015.

Flamman assumes the responsibility for the holistic brand strategy and the operational management of the entire brand portfolio of Viacom International Media Networks, including core brands Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, VIVA, Spike and Paramount. His responsibilities also include Acquisitions and Content Operations, along with Programming and Creative and Brand Development. He will report to Magnus Kastner, Executive Vice President (EVP) and Managing Director (MD) of Viacom International Media Networks Northern Europe.

The executive most recently served as the senior VP and Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the EMEA area at Turner, where he also held the position of managing director of the kids' brands.

"VIMN has with its broad portfolio of brands and diverse exciting entertainment formats the key elements for a successful brand development across all media platforms," Flamman said. "I am very pleased to be able to leave my previous experience in the Northern European market incorporated in new exciting tasks at VIMN. Also, I am very curious get to know it, to be part of the team and my new VIMN talented colleagues in Northern Europe."

Kastner added, "I am delighted to welcome Pete as part of the North Senior management [team]. As a real fire specialist and with his many years of expertise—particularly in business development—he is the perfect fit for this position I am looking forward to working with Pete and I am sure that we will advance our VIMN brands on all platforms together."

Original Nickelodeon Deutschland Press Release:

01. September 2015

Pete Flamman wird Senior Vice President Brands bei Viacom International Media Networks Northern Europe

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Northern Europe beruft Pete Flamman zum Senior Vice President (SVP) Brands. Ab September 2015 wird er in dieser neu geschaffenen Position alle VIMN-Marken in Nordeuropa verantworten.

Flamman übernimmt damit die Verantwortung für die ganzheitliche Markenstrategie und das operative Management des gesamten Markenportfolios von Viacom International Media Networks, inklusive der Kernmarken MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, VIVA, Spike und Paramount. Zu seinen Verantwortungsbereichen zählen Acquisitions & Content Operations, Programming sowie Creative und Brand Development. Er berichtet in seiner Rolle direkt an Magnus Kastner, Executive Vice President (EVP) und Managing Director von Viacom International Media Networks Northern Europe.

"VIMN besitzt mit seinem breiten Markenportfolio und vielfältigen spannenden Entertainmentformaten die Schlüsselelemente für eine erfolgreiche Markenentwicklung über alle medialen Plattformen hinweg. Ich freue mich sehr, meine bisherigen Erfahrungen im nordeuropäischen Markt in neue spannende Aufgaben bei VIMN einfließen lassen zu können. Außerdem bin ich sehr gespannt darauf, Teil des VIMN-Teams zu werden und meine neuen talentierten Kollegen in Nordeuropa kennenzulernen", so Pete Flamman.

Magnus Kastner betont: "Ich bin hocherfreut, Pete als Teil des North Senior Managements begrüßen zu können. Als echter Brand Specialist und mit seiner langjährigen Expertise – vor allem auch im Business Development – ist er die perfekte Besetzung für diese Position. Ich freue mich auf die Zusammenarbeit mit Pete und bin mir sicher, dass wir unsere VIMN-Marken auf allen Plattformen gemeinsam voranbringen werden."

Vor seinem Wechsel zu VIMN arbeitete Pete Flamman 14 Jahre bei Turner Broadcasting. Dort begann er als Vice President Business Development und war später in verschiedenen Führungsrollen maßgeblich für die Entwicklung des Turner Broadcasting-Portfolios in Europa, Nahost und Afrika verantwortlich. Zuletzt war Flamman als SVP und COO für den EMEA Raum zuständig und verantwortete außerdem als Managing Director die Kids-Marken von Turner. Seinen beruflichen Werdegang begann Flamman nach seinem Abschluss an der Universität zu Cambridge bei Spectrum Strategy Consultants.

Über Viacom International Media Networks:

Viacom International Media Networks Northern Europe gehört zu Viacom International Media Networks und agiert in Deutschland, der Schweiz und Österreich, Polen, Schweden, Norwegen, Finnland und Dänemark sowie den Niederlanden und Belgien. Mit MTV, Comedy Central, VIVA, Nickelodeon, Nicknight und anderen bekannten Entertainment-Marken bietet Viacom International Media Networks in Nordeuropa 37 Sender für die Zielgruppen Kinder und Familien, Jugendliche und Erwachsene an. Insgesamt wird das TV-Angebot von Viacom International Media Networks von mehr als 80 Millionen Haushalten in Nordeuropa genutzt. Auf mehr als 50 Webseiten in Nordeuropa bietet Viacom International Media Networks zudem noch mehr Musik, Nachrichten und Unterhaltung. Mit MTV Mobile bietet Viacom International Media Networks in Deutschland, der Schweiz, Polen, den Niederlanden und Belgien eigene Mobile-Marken an.

Advertising und Brand Solutions, die Sales Unit von Viacom International Media Networks, bietet Markenlösungen für die Zielgruppen Kinder, Jugendliche, junge Erwachsene und Familien auf dem internationalen Markt. Viacom International Media Networks gehört zu Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA) und umfasst viele der beliebtesten Multimedia-Entertainment-Marken. Zu diesen zählen u.a. MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Game One und Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más, ein Sender für das hispanische Publikum in den USA. Die Viacom-Marken werden weltweit von mehr als 3,2 Milliarden Haushalten in 170 Regionen und 40 Sprachen über 200 lokale Fernsehsender und mehr als 550 digitale und mobile Medienplattformen empfangen. Für mehr aktuelle Informationen folgen Sie uns auf Twitter (www.twitter.com/vimngermany) oder bei Facebook (www.facebook.com/VIMNGermany).

Viacom International Media Networks Northern Europe
Kontakt: Colin Lenz - Director Corporate Communications
Fon: 49 30 700 100-134, Fax: 49 30 700 100-9134
E-Mail: [...], Info: www.viacom.de

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Additional source: WorldScreen.com.

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Nickelodeon Executives To Speak At MIPJunior 2015

MIPCOM has announced the exciting news that Nickelodeon Executives Jules Borkent, Russell Hicks and Dan Schneider will be speaking at MIPJunior 2015!

Taking place in Cannes in France between Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October 2015, ahead of the MIPCOM global entertainment content market, MIPJunior is the leading showcase for kids programming, uniting the world's most influential buyers, sellers and producers the weekend before MIPCOM. Over two days, these influential players, along with publishers and licensing executives, present, discover and screen the very latest content, giving them the edge on concluding deals at MIPCOM.

Below is Nickelodeon's MIPJunior 2015 programme:

MIPJUNIOR NETWORKING LUNCH

EVENT THEME: MIPJunior; EVENT TYPE: Lunch

03 Oct 2015, 13:00 - 14:30 Grand Hyatt Cannes Hôtel Martinez Beach

Sponsored by Nickelodeon

VIEW FROM THE TOP: WHAT DO BUYERS WANT?

EVENT THEME: MIPJunior; EVENT TYPE: Panel Discussion

04 Oct 2015, 09:45 - 10:30 Conference Room

In association with World Screen.

Followed by Meet the Speakers.

This special conference will feature five programming executives from around the world engaging in a lively discussion of acquisition trends and unveiling their unique perspectives on how to spot hit shows and offer content to young viewers on multiple platforms.

Speakers:

Jules Borkent, SVP Global Programming & International Acquisitions, Nickelodeon

Caroline Cochaux, Programs and Broadcast Director Executive, France & International, Lagardere Active TV Channels

Sebastian Debertin, Head of Fiction, Acquisition & Co-Production, KiKA Kinderkanal of ARD and ZDF

Karen K. Miller, Vice President, Worldwide Programming Strategy, Acquisitions & Co-Productions, Disney Channels Worldwide

Adina Pitt, VP Content Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Cartoon Network and Boomerang

Moderator: Anna Carugati, Group Editorial Director, World Screen

MIPJUNIOR KEYNOTES: NICKELODEON'S RUSSELL HICKS, PRESIDENT, CONTENT DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION, & DAN SCHNEIDER, CREATOR & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

EVENT THEME: MIP Screenings; EVENT TYPE: Screening

04 Oct 2015, 11:45 - 12:15 Conference Room

Nickelodeon's Content President Russell Hicks and renowned hit-maker Dan Schneider ("Game Shakers", "Sam &Cat", "iCarly", "Victorious", "Henry Danger", "Drake & Josh", "Zoey 101", "The Amanda Show") will discuss how to attract and retain kids' attention amid more choices than ever, what gives a program the potential to be a global phenomenon and how Nickelodeon and Schneider have effectively tapped into the youth culture zeitgeist for more than 20 years. The pair will also consider how new platforms are impacting storytelling and traditional formats and how Nickelodeon is responding with content being development for every platform, and from an increasingly global stable of creators.

Key Note Speakers:

Russell Hicks, President, Content Development and Production, Nickelodeon Group

Dan Schneider, Creator & Executive Producer, Nickelodeon's "Game Shakers", "Henry Danger", "Sam & Cat", "Victorious", "iCarly", "Drake & Josh", "Zoey 101", "The Amanda Show", Nickelodeon Group

TERRITORIAL EXPANSION SHOW & TELL PART 1

EVENT THEME: Carriage Deal Forum; EVENT TYPE: Showcase

06 Oct 2015, 09:30 - 10:00 Esterel, Palais 5

Success stories from networks sharing their experiences on evolving from local markets to international expansion.

Discover what's beyond a successful distribution strategy in today's competitive market.

FOLLOWED BY MEET THE SPEAKERS

Speakers:

Mo Abudu, Executive Chairman & CEO, Ebonylife TV

Russell Hicks, President, Content Development and Production, Nickelodeon Group

Ed Palluth, EVP, Global Distribution, AMC Networks

Moderator: Nick Snow, Founder and Publisher, Advanced Television

Additionally, Katie Keenan, Head of Acquisitions, Channel 5 and VIMN UK, Viacom International Media Networks, will also be a speaker on the "Acquisition Superpanel: What Do Buyers Want?" panel on Wednesday 7th October 2015 being held at the Grand Auditorium, Palais 1 between 12:15 - 13:00, and Anu Sikka, Senior VP & Head - Programming, Kids Cluster, Viacom18 will be speaking at the "WORKING WITH INDIA: Crossing Borders for International Success" conference on Sunday 4th October 2015 between 14:45 and 15:15.

MIPJunior 2015 will also feature the first-ever World Screen Kids' Content Trendsetter Awards, presented in association with Reed MIDEM. The inaugural recipients, who will receive their awards on Sunday morning following the "Acquisition Superpanel: What Do Buyers Want?", are Nickelodeon's Jules Borkent, Lagardere's Caroline Cochaux, Turner Broadcasting's Adina Pitt, Disney's Karen K. Miller and KiKA's Sebastian Debertin.

About Jules Borkent:

Jules Borkent is Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and International Programming, Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN). In his role, which he assumed in 2008, Borkent is responsible for leading global acquisitions for Nickelodeon around the world, as well as programming strategies for Nickelodeon International. Borkent works in close partnership with Nickelodeon in the US, and worldwide channels, across development, production and program financing. Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) is comprised of many of the world's most popular premier multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, Channel 5 in the UK, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Spike, Game One and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más. Viacom brands are seen globally by more than 3.4 billion cumulative subscribers in approximately 180 territories and 40 languages via more than 200 locally programmed TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties.

Prior to his role at VIMN, Borkent was the Vice President, Programming, Nickelodeon International, based in London. He was responsible for Nickelodeon's global programming and acquisitions strategy, with a particular emphasis on working with local programming heads to coordinate and develop pan-regional deals for Nickelodeon's localized channels across Europe. In addition to acquisitions, Borkent also managed programming activities for Nickelodeon's international channels.

Borkent joined Nickelodeon in 1998 as the Senior Director of Programming, Acquisitions and Development for Nickelodeon Europe and Africa where he was responsible for local acquisitions as well as various pan-regional programming initiatives and productions.

About Russell Hicks:

Russell Hicks is President, Content Development and Production for Nickelodeon Group. Based at Nickelodeon's Burbank and Santa Monica, Calif. offices, he oversees the company's live-action, animation development and production teams for all of Nickelodeon's content platforms and across all of the network's channels—Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Nick Jr., TeenNick and Nicktoons.

Hicks oversees a development and production slate that includes more than a dozen new live-action, animation and TV movie projects as part of Nickelodeon's deep commitment to new content for the first generation of post-millennial kids. Additionally, Hicks has quickly re-energized and realigned the development team to organize Nick's animation, live-action, digital, movies, talent and short form into a single cohesive group.

In animation, he initiated a new shorts program to attract new talent and projects. In 2012 the program took over 600 pitches and made 12 shorts, greenlighting five for series development. A 2013 program has already commenced. In live-action, Hicks has created multiple sources for new projects through sketch comedy, including opening a sketch lab in Los Angeles, creating comedy workshops to cultivate new talent, and creating an environment to incubate new projects and allow new talent, writers and producers to develop ideas for Nickelodeon.

A 14-year Nickelodeon veteran, Hicks previously served as the network's Chief Creative Officer. In this position he oversaw all of Nickelodeon Creative, On-Air Promotions, Consumer Products, Brand and Advertising divisions, and led the product development and creative positioning of Nickelodeon's brands and properties, ensuring it represented Nickelodeon's "Kids' First" philosophy and supporting the company mission to provide surprising and playful experiences for its audiences. In 2009, he led an unprecedented creative review of the Nickelodeon brand and re-imagined its logo to represent the growth the company had attained after 30 years, while also maintaining and reflecting the company's core attributes.

Prior to working at Nickelodeon, Hicks was Vice President of Marketing, Cartoon Network/Turner brands for Warner Brothers, where he was responsible for the marketing and creative that turned Scooby Doo and the Power Puff Girls into cultural icons. Hicks started his career as an animator that led him to work on Teddy Ruxpin, the first talking teddy bear for Worlds of Wonder toys. It is this combination of both animation and consumer products that has given Hicks his extensive knowledge of the children's entertainment world.

Hicks attended California State University Fullerton where he studied illustration and design.

About Dan Schneider:

Writer-producer Dan Schneider has established himself as a dominant force in the world of family entertainment by creatively drawing on his affinity for youth culture at Nickelodeon. Under his Schneider's Bakery Productions, he has carved a unique, progressive niche in the world of kid and family entertainment, most recently as creator and executive producer of "Game Shakers", which stars Nickelodeon Alum Kel Mitchell ("Kenan & Kel"), Benjamin "Lil P-Nut" Flores, Jr. (The Haunted Hathaways), Cree Cicchino, Madisyn Shipman and Thomas Kuc. In addition to creating the mega-hit series "Sam & Cat", "iCarly", "Victorious" and "Zoey 101", which have received multiple Emmy nominations, Schneider also created/executive produced "The Amanda Show", "Drake & Josh" and "Henry Danger". His series all also had the distinction of having won numerous Kids' Choice Awards.

Schneider began with Nickelodeon as executive producer and show runner on the network's groundbreaking sketch comedy series "All That" from 1994 to 1998, and then returned to run the show in its seventh season. After which, he went on to produce "Kenan & Kel", starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell.

Schneider also created the hit WB series "What I Like About You". His comedic success has also translated on the big screen, writing and producing the popular films, "Good Burger" and "Big Fat Liar".

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Viacom Boosts Its Data Strategy Team with Three Significant Executive Hires

Original Viacom Inc. Press Release via Business Wire:

Viacom Boosts Its Data Strategy Team with Three Significant Executive Hires

Key Staff Additions Will Expand the Company's Industry-Leading Advanced Data Solutions

August 05, 2015 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA) today announced the addition of three executives with expertise in developing, marketing, and monetizing data products, boosting the company's industry-leading advanced analytic and marketing solutions.

Joining Viacom are Bryson Gordon as Senior Vice President of Data Strategy and Viacom Vantage; Gabe Bevilacqua as Vice President of Product Management for Viacom Vantage; and, Kodi Foster as Vice President of Data Strategy. Bevilacqua and Foster report to Gordon, who will manage the team under the leadership of Kern Schireson, Viacom Executive Vice President of Data Strategy and Consumer Intelligence.

Gordon and his team will be responsible for the development of innovative and game-changing data products for Viacom, which has taken an industry-leading role in introducing new marketing programs that precisely target consumers. They will build upon the success of advertising tools such as Viacom Vantage, which enters its second year as a market leader in advanced predictive targeting, analytics and custom data implementations for agencies and advertisers. This new technical and product expertise significantly accelerates Viacom's already robust data capabilities and product portfolio to more fully monetize the continued engagement around the company's programming and brands.

"Data Strategy plays a key role in Viacom's ecosystem because it marries world-class creativity with advanced analytics," said Schireson. "Bringing on Bryson, Gabe, and Kodi is a big step forward and reinforces our dedication to intelligent data solutions that benefit Viacom and our brand partners."

Bryson Gordon

Gordon spent more than a decade at Microsoft leading consumer marketing, product management, and business incubation teams across Windows, Xbox, Office, Microsoft Store, and most recently, Surface. Within the Surface business, he created an Audience Marketing discipline that defined high-value influencer-segments, establishing data-driven pathways to fan cultivation, while developing techniques to directly connect first-party quantitative research into programmatic advertising engines. Under his leadership, the Surface business grew to over $1B in fourth quarter revenue. Prior to Microsoft, Gordon led Consumer Product Management at McAfee Security, helping develop and market the company's direct-to-customer subscription services. He is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario in Canada and Cambridge University in the UK.

Gabe Bevilacqua

Bevilacqua has over a decade of experience in data-driven marketing technology. He was most recently COO at the company he co-founded, Rallyverse, a content marketing platform that powers social media and content campaigns for Fortune 500 clients. Prior to that, he spent six years at Microsoft in their digital advertising platform, most recently as Director of the Advertiser Tools Business Group for the Atlas Advertiser Suite. Bevilacqua also held positions as Global Brand Manager for Guinness World Records, and held business development roles at Urbanfetch and Cductive. He is a graduate of Princeton and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Kodi Foster

Foster served as the Head of Brand Initiatives at Outbrain, where he led strategic account solutions and partnerships with Fortune 100 brands. In that role, he developed content marketing solutions and established the paid recommendations business for brands, helping to grow Outbrain into the largest content discovery platform in the world. Before joining the Outbrain team, he was the Vice President of Business Development at Sahara Media Holdings, a publicly traded investment company specializing in digital media. He is a graduate of Cornell University.

About Viacom

Viacom is home to premier global media brands that create compelling television programs, motion pictures, short-form video, apps, games, consumer products, social media and other entertainment content for audiences in more than 165 countries and territories. Viacom's media networks, including Nickelodeon, CMT, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, TV Land, Nick at Nite, MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, SPIKE, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Channel 5 (UK), Tr3s, Paramount Channel and VIVA, reach a cumulative 3.2 billion television subscribers worldwide. Paramount Pictures is a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com. Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom's blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.

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Viacom Names Alex Berkett Senior Vice President, Corporate Development

Original Viacom Inc. Press Release via Business Wire:

Viacom Names Alex Berkett Senior Vice President, Corporate Development

July 30, 2015 11:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA) today announced the appointment of Alex Berkett to the position of Senior Vice President, Corporate Development. In this role, Berkett will lead the company's global corporate development and mergers and acquisitions functions. Based in New York, he will report directly to Wade Davis, Chief Financial Officer of Viacom.

As Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, Berkett will identify and develop growth opportunities for Viacom and its brands, including partnerships, acquisitions, investments and joint ventures. He will also work closely with senior executives across the company to advise on and lead deal negotiations. Berkett joins Viacom from Townsquare Media, a publicly-held diversified local media company he co-founded in 2010. At Townsquare, he served as Executive Vice President, responsible for corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, investor relations and a variety of other senior functions.

"We're thrilled to welcome Alex to Viacom, where he will oversee our efforts to forge new partnerships, explore opportunities in innovative new businesses and help advance the company's strategic goals," said Davis. "Viacom is committed to continued investment in key areas of growth, and Alex's deep knowledge of media, strong transactional track record and entrepreneurial background make him the right choice to expand our capabilities in new and exciting ways. Alex is a proven leader and has the skills and experience to hit the ground running."

Prior to his work at Townsquare, Berkett worked in J.P. Morgan's Technology, Media & Telecom Investment Banking Group, which he joined following the firm's acquisition of Bear, Stearns & Co. Berkett spent eleven years in the investment banking division of Bear Stearns, rising to Managing Director, where he focused on merger and acquisition advisory for media and entertainment companies.

About Viacom

Viacom is home to premier global media brands that create compelling television programs, motion pictures, short-form video, apps, games, consumer products, social media and other entertainment content for audiences in more than 165 countries and territories. Viacom's media networks, including Nickelodeon, CMT, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, TV Land, Nick at Nite, MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, SPIKE, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Channel 5 (UK), Tr3s, Paramount Channel and VIVA, reach a cumulative 3.2 billion television subscribers worldwide. Paramount Pictures is a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com. Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom's blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.

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Nickelodeon And Paramount May Team Up To Launch "Monster Trucks" Franchise

The entertainment industry news website Deadline Hollywood is reporting the exciting Nickelodeon news that Rob Moore, the Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures, mentioned at the 5th annual CinemaCon convention that Paramount and Nickelodeon are expecting Paramount Animation's upcoming movie "Monster Trucks" to launch a major franchise for Paramount and Nickelodeon! Although currently unconfirmed, a "Monster Trucks" franchise could see Paramount and Nickelodeon partnering to produce a sequel to the film and/or a television series based on the movie.

Nickelodeon recently teamed up with Paramount Television to produce a brand-new live-action musical-comedy television series based on Paramount Pictures' hit movie "School of Rock", which is due to premiere on Nickelodeon USA later this year.

"Monster Trucks" is a brand-new live-action/computer-animated action film that stars Jane Levy, Lucas Till, Amy Ryan, Rob Lowe, Danny Glover, Barry Pepper and Holt McCallany. Produced by Paramount Animation and Disruption Entertainment, the movie is directed by Chris Wedge and written by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, and Derek Connolly. The film is scheduled to be released by Paramount Pictures on Friday 25th December 2015.

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Kerry Taylor Appointed As Viacom International Media Networks UK's First Ever Chief Marketing Officer

Original Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) UK and Ireland Press Release via the Viacom UK and Ireland Press Centre:

KERRY TAYLOR APPOINTED AS VIMN UK'S FIRST CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

MTV UK's Jo Bacon to lead Channel 5 rebrand reporting to Taylor

Tweet this: MTV's Kerry Taylor and Jo Bacon to oversee Channel 5 rebrand

London, 19th March 2015 – Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has appointed Kerry Taylor as the first ever Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for its operations managed out of the UK, with an immediate brief to oversee a creative rebranding of Channel 5 during the course of 2015.

The company has also confirmed the appointment of Jo Bacon, MTV UK's VP, Marketing and Communications, to take on additional responsibility for marketing at Channel 5, and lead the planning and execution of the rebrand reporting to Taylor.

Joint has been appointed as strategic agency for the rebrand of Channel 5.

Taylor and Bacon will work closely with Channel 5's Chief Operating Officer, Paul Dunthorne, and Programme Director, Ben Frow, on the rebrand, which follows the completion of VIMN's takeover of Channel 5 and is scheduled to be delivered by the end of the year. Channel 5 has performed strongly under its new ownership; it was the only major commercial free-to-air network to grow share of viewing amongst all individuals, 16-34s and ABC1s in 2014 and also year-to-date in 2015.

David Lynn, President of VIMN UK, Australia and Central and Eastern Europe, said: "Kerry is Viacom's outstanding UK-based marketer and her and Jo's appointment to oversee the rebrand of Channel 5 demonstrates how we're combining the best talent and assets of both businesses. Their task will be to capture changing perceptions about the brand amongst lighter viewers as Channel 5 continues to improve programme range and quality and its ratings performance under Ben's direction."

As Chief Marketing Officer for VIMN's pan-regional operations managed out of the UK, reporting to Lynn, Taylor will additionally have marketing oversight of VIMN's pay TV brands – Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Channel, Spike and BET – in more than 30 countries, including the UK and Ireland, Russia, Hungary and Australia.

About Kerry Taylor

As SVP, General Manager, MTV for VIMN UK, Kerry Taylor has successfully managed the evolution of the core MTV channel to offer a mix of music and general entertainment programming, while expanding MTV's bouquet of music channels.

As a result of changing its programming mix, the core MTV channel more than doubled its average audience amongst 16-34s in the UK between 2010 and 2014 and was named Entertainment Channel of the Year at the Broadcast Digital Awards in 2012. MTV UK's growth has been driven by an increasing number of original productions commissioned by Taylor and her team, including reality series, Geordie Shore and Ex on the Beach.

Under Taylor's stewardship, MTV's portfolio of music channels has also expanded and, in 2014, was the UK's most popular music broadcaster for the seventh year running.

Taylor first joined MTV's parent company, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), as Vice President, Marketing, Creative & Consumer Press for MTV UK & Ireland in September 2007. In this role, she successfully spearheaded the launch of entertainment channel VIVA on the Freeview platform, via a high profile marketing campaign ('Up Your Viva'). Prior to joining MTV, Taylor was Director, Marketing & On-Air for Living TV, Bravo, Challenge and Trouble at Virgin Media. During this time, she played a key role in repositioning Living TV, which resulted in the channel being awarded Broadcast Channel of the Year in 2006. She has also worked at the BBC and for Star TV in Hong Kong.

About Jo Bacon

Jo Bacon joined VIMN as VP, Marketing and Communications for MTV UK in January 2012 and has helped oversee one of the most successful periods in its history, with the core MTV channel more than doubling its average audience amongst 16-34s between 2010 and 2014. Bacon's MTV UK marketing team was named Best In-house Social Media team at the Social Media Communications Awards in 2013.

Prior to joining MTV UK, Bacon was Head of Content and Client Services Director at Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R between 2003 and 2011, where she led the multi award-winning BBC account as Business Director with responsibility for all pan-BBC marketing initiatives including the Olympics 2012 campaigns and the launch of the BBC iPlayer. She also ran global businesses including Bacardi and Virgin.

About VIMN

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), is comprised of many of the world's most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, Channel 5 in the UK, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Spike, Game One and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 3.2 billion households in approximately 170 territories and 40 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. Keep up with VIMN news by visiting the VIMN PR Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/VIMN_PR.

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Philippe Dauman Talks About Viacom's Plans At Deutsche Bank 2015 Media, Internet & Telecom Conference

Viacom is expecting to complete most of its current restructuring efforts by the end of March 2015, saving around $250 million as a result, the entertainment company's chief executive said at an investor conference on Monday 9th March 2015, reports Variety.

Speaking at the Deutsche Bank 2015 Media, Internet & Telecom Conference, Philippe Dauman, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Viacom Inc, said the company, which operates Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central, was reorganizing and would retire certain kinds of programming that were less effective as more content from its networks turn up on subscription-video-on-demand services.

Some older programming "just doesn't work anymore, especially when you have off-broadcast programming that is on SVOD," Dauman said. "We are going to abandon some of that programming as we go forward, and continue to invest in what works, and that will help us grow."

Following their success with their daily, serialized format of hit shows like "Every Witch Way" and "House of Anubis", Nickelodeon recently announced at Nickelodeon Upfront 2015 that the network is picking up three more daily scripted series for the 2015-2016 programming season. These new live-action shows include: "Make It Pop", a comedic, music-infused daily strip about three girls who come together to start their own K-Pop-inspired band; "Talia's Kitchen" (working title), which follows a teenage girl who goes to work in her grandmother's Miami restaurant and finds that her talent for cooking is, quite literally, magical; and "The W.I.T.s Academy" (working title), a spin-off from "Every Witch Way" about the comedic adventures of young witches- and wizards-in-training. Nick has also renewed "Every Witch Way" for a fourth season and "Max & Shred" for season two.

Dauman's remarks come as Viacom is working to reorganize its TV networks. Viacom recently restructured the company's leadership team and reorganized its ad-sales staff.

Philippe said Viacom was stepping up investment in original programming, specifically scripted programs, across its networks. He also indicated that Viacom saw continued opportunity for growth in operating TV networks overseas, such as the recently acquired U.K. broadcaster Channel 5.

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Viacom Names Tom Gorke to Newly Created Position of Executive Vice President, Sales and Business Development, Content Distribution, Viacom Media Networks

Original Nickelodeon Press Release via Business Wire:

Viacom Names Tom Gorke to Newly Created Position of Executive Vice President, Sales and Business Development, Content Distribution, Viacom Media Networks

Tom Gorke, Executive Vice President, Sales and Business Development, Content Distribution, Viacom Media Networks and BET Networks (Photo: Business Wire)

February 09, 2015 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA) today named Tom Gorke to the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Sales and Business Development for Viacom Media Networks and BET Networks. In his role, Gorke will lead sales and new business efforts for all linear and digital distribution partnerships across BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Logo, Spike TV, TV Land and VH1, as well as Viacom's joint venture EPIX. Gorke will continue to report to Denise Denson, Executive Vice President of Content Distribution.

"As the distribution landscape evolves at warp speed, Tom has demonstrated tremendous foresight and embraced change and disruption as an opportunity to create new value for the company and our partners," said Denson. "Tom's forward-thinking and innovative lens on deal-making will further bridge the ever-blurring lines between the digital and linear universes, allow for more agile collaboration, and enable us to even better serve our partners."

During his tenure at Viacom, Gorke has spearheaded numerous innovative content distribution deals and played a leading role in navigating Viacom's evolution to new platforms. He was responsible for negotiating and launching Viacom's initial forays into online content distribution and has played an increasing role with linear distributors as well.

Most recently, Gorke served as Senior Vice President of Content Distribution and Marketing for Viacom Media Networks, where he was responsible for all of Viacom Media Networks' digital content distribution deals and select linear deals. Prior to that, Gorke was the Vice President of Digital Distribution and previously served as Director of Digital Operations and Distribution Development. Prior to joining Viacom in 2005, Gorke worked in the CBS Internet Group at CBS and, before that, as an investment banker. Gorke holds an M.B.A. and a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

About Viacom

Viacom is home to premier global media brands that create compelling television programs, motion pictures, short-form video, apps, games, consumer products, social media and other entertainment content for audiences in more than 165 countries and territories. Viacom's media networks, including MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, Comedy Central, TV Land, SPIKE, Channel 5 (UK), Tr3s, Paramount Channel and VIVA, reach a cumulative 3.2 billion television subscribers worldwide. Paramount Pictures, America's oldest film studio, is a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com. Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom's blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/viacom.

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Viacom Announces Restructuring Of Groups

Philippe Dauman, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Viacom Inc, today, Thursday 19th February 2015, announced a consolidation of Viacom's leadership team, giving more power to executives Doug Herzog and Cyma Zarghami, both of whom will now lead new or expanded programming groups.

Herzog will head a newly-formed Viacom Music and Entertainment Group, while Zarghami will lead an expanded Viacom Kids and Family Group.

Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman announced the restructuring via a internal memo, saying that the "new groups are an enormous opportunity for us to take advantage of our strong creative teams, to share our expertise, and to promote greater cross marketing and, in some cases, cross channel programming activity."

The restructuring follows the departure of 28-year MTV veteran Van Toffler earlier this week. Toffler, among the last executives with a connection to MTV's musical roots, announced that in April he would leave his post as head of MTV, MTV2, VH1 and LOGO. Those networks will now become part of Herzog's Viacom Music and Entertainment Group portfolio, which already includes Comedy Central, Spike and all digital offshoots including MTV's "Always On". Herzog, however, also has a connection to MTV, joining the network in 1984 and rising to president of MTV productions and later head of Comedy Central, where he helped to launch the latter's most iconic series; "South Park" and "The Daily Show".

The Viacom Kids and Family Group will comprise all the brands currently in the Nickelodeon Group, including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nick at Nite, NickMom and NickToons, as well as TV Land, CMT and CMT Pure Country.

TV Land will move to Zarghami's group immediately, and the other networks will transition between now and Van Toffler's previously announced departure in mid-April. More information on the specific organizational changes will come from the Group leaders in the coming weeks, Dauman said.

Before rejoining Viacom in 2004, Doug Herzog served as president of USA Network and also president of Entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company. Herzog will continue to be based in Los Angeles and New York with his new title.

Cyma Zarghami actually predates Dauman at Viacom — she marks 30 years at the company this year — and the two have had a close working relationship. Dauman described Zarghami as "an insightful and extremely capable leader" citing the relaunch of Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" franchise as an "example of her ability to reimagine properties and take them to new heights". Zarghami joined Nickelodeon in 1985, was named general manager of Nickelodeon in 1996 and became Group president in 2006.

The other two Viacom network groups — the Debra Lee-led BET Networks and Viacom International Media Networks under Bob Bakish — remain intact, with Herzog, Zarghami, Lee and Bakish continuing to report to Dauman.

During the Q4 earnings call a couple of weeks ago, Dauman said he expects to see a "substantial net cost savings throughout our organization" as a result of a restructuring that includes an "organizational realignment as well as rationalization of content that no longer meets our goals."

Here is Dauman’s memo on the reorganization:

Dear Colleagues,

In the nearly 30 years I have been fortunate to be associated with Viacom, we have always been a leading force in our industry, through our breakthrough programming, through our creative innovation and most of all through our ability to continually reinvent ourselves.

Today, we are announcing changes in three of our domestic network groups, creating two new organizations built around proven leaders with great creative track records. Doug Herzog, will lead the newly formulated Viacom Music and Entertainment Group, and Cyma Zarghami, will lead the expanded Viacom Kids and Family Group. The new groups are an enormous opportunity for us to take advantage of our strong creative teams, to share our expertise, and to promote greater cross marketing and, in some cases, cross channel programming activity.

* The Viacom Music and Entertainment Group will consist of MTV, MTV2, LOGO, VH1, Comedy Central and Spike, as well as the related digital networks and MTV’s “Always On,” which fuses the immediacy of social conversation with the power of television. MTV, VH1 and LOGO are among the most iconic and engaging brands in our industry, and thanks to Van ‘s long-term and stable leadership, they have top teams who will no doubt make this a seamless transition.

The Music and Entertainment Group will house a portfolio of popular programs, ranging from Teen Wolf and the VMAs on MTV and Guy Code on MTV2; to Bar Rescue and Ink Master on Spike; to Love & Hip Hop on VH1; to Broad City, Key & Peele and South Park on Comedy Central; to RuPaul’s Drag Race on LOGO.

The role is in part a coming home for Doug, who joined MTV in 1984 and rose to become President of MTV Productions, and later, President of Comedy Central, where among his notable accomplishments, he launched The Daily Show and South Park. Before rejoining Viacom in 2004, Doug served as President of USA Network and also President of Entertainment for FOX Broadcasting Company. Doug has a proven ability to move seamlessly between the business and creative worlds. He understands what it takes to stay relevant and on the leading edge of popular culture, and under his leadership, Comedy Central, Spike and TV Land have established distinctive programming voices in the entertainment landscape. Doug will continue to be based in Los Angeles and New York.

· The Viacom Kids and Family Group will comprise all the brands currently in the Nickelodeon Group, including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nick at Nite, NickMom and NickToons, as well as TV Land, CMT and CMT Pure Country.

TV Land, which originated in this group, and features classic shows and new originals such as Younger, and CMT, which appeals to heartland audiences and includes major events like the CMT Music Awards, have talented teams and established brand presence. Both will benefit from the expanded group’s leadership in family programming that includes iconic live action and animated Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and TeenNick programs like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards.

Cyma, who will celebrate 30 years with Nickelodeon this year, has a long history and formidable track record as a creative programmer and successful executive. She is an insightful and extremely capable leader and has grown Nickelodeon and its sibling networks into brands that are beloved by kids and families around the world. The successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise is just one example of her ability to reimagine properties and take them to new heights. Cyma joined Nickelodeon in 1985, was named general manager of Nickelodeon in 1996 and became Group President in 2006.

Doug and Cyma, along with Debi Lee at BET Networks, Bob Bakish at Viacom International Media Networks and Brad Grey at Paramount Pictures, will continue to report to me. TV Land will move to the Viacom Kids and Family Group immediately, and the other networks will transition between now and Van’s departure in mid-April. More information on the specific organizational changes will come from the Group leaders in the coming weeks.

Our industry is in transition and change does not always come easy, but we have a tremendous amount of talent at Viacom and we are innovating at every level and at every brand. We are working hard to adapt to changing audience behavior, to incorporate new forms of distribution and to better integrate technology into everything we do. That includes our expanded data and research capabilities; our multi-platform, multi-distributor approach; our groundbreaking advertising sales units, Velocity and Echo; and our new central hub for digital research and development, The Viacom Lab. Just to name a few.

I have great confidence that by working together to embrace the changing landscape and by continuing to bring our best creative work to audiences — we will succeed. Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work. I know you join me in congratulating Doug and Cyma on their new responsibilities.

Warm regards,

Philippe

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline Hollywood, The Wrap

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