NEW YORK, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV Networks (MTVN), a unit of
Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced the promotions of Andra Shapiro
and George Cheeks to the newly created positions of Executive Vice
President, Business Affairs and Co-General Counsel, MTVN. In their new
roles, Shapiro and Cheeks will jointly oversee MTVN Business and Legal
Affairs under a new dual leadership structure. Shapiro and Cheeks will
direct the company's business and legal affairs strategy, policy, and
operations, as well as advise senior management on all legal and regulatory
matters affecting the business.
"Andra and George have strategic legal minds, and they are fervent
advocates for our brands, our culture, and our people," said Judy McGrath,
Chairman and CEO, MTV Networks. "I'm thrilled to have Andra and George in
these new roles, bringing their extensive legal knowledge and expertise to
bear across MTV Networks."
Under the new structure, the business and legal functions of the MTVN
Kids and Family Group, MTVN International, MTVN Content Distribution and
Marketing, and the MTVN Litigation and Intellectual Property Group, will
report directly to Shapiro. The business and legal arms of the MTVN Music,
Logo and Films Group, the MTVN Entertainment Group and MTVN Global Digital
Media, as well as the MTVN Music Strategy Group, will report directly to
Cheeks. Shapiro and Cheeks will share responsibility for the Music and
Media Licensing Group, as well as Employment and Labor.
In addition, Shapiro will retain her current title of EVP, Business
Affairs and General Counsel, Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group.
Cheeks will keep his title of EVP, Business Affairs and General Counsel,
MTVN Music and Entertainment Groups. Both Shapiro and Cheeks will report to
Rich Eigendorff, acting Chief Operating Officer for MTV Networks.
Shapiro joined MTVN in 1988 as Counsel to VH1, before moving to
Nickelodeon the following year and eventually rising through the ranks to
be named Executive Vice President, Business Affairs/General Counsel, MTVN
Kids and Family Group. Shapiro's strategic thinking, unique expertise and
deep understanding of the kids and family entertainment business have
contributed significantly to Nickelodeon's industry-leading position. Prior
to joining MTV Networks, Shapiro was an associate with the law firm of
Cowan, Liebowitz & Latman where she specialized in copyright and trademark
law.
Cheeks joined MTVN with Nickelodeon's Business and Legal Affairs
Department in 1998 before switching groups and ultimately being promoted to
Executive Vice President and General Counsel, MTVN Music, Logo and Films
Group in January 2005. As such, Cheeks applied his deep understanding of
the music and entertainment landscape to help the Group navigate complex
legal and business issues and achieve continued growth. Prior to joining
MTVN, Cheeks served as Vice-President, Business Affairs for Castle Rock
Entertainment, as well as an entertainment attorney at the boutique
entertainment firm of Hansen, Jacobson, et al. He began his career as an
entertainment associate at Loeb & Loeb.
About MTV Networks and Viacom
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the
world's leading creators of programming and content across all media
platforms. MTV Networks, with 135 channels worldwide, owns and operates the
following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2,
VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV,
CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL
SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these
networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its
audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than
200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless
and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements,
joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming
services can be seen worldwide.
Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with
prominent and respected brands. Engaging its audiences through television,
motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom seeks to reach its audiences
however they consume content. Viacom's leading brands include the
multiplatform properties of MTV Networks, including MTV: Music Television,
VH1, CMT: Country Music Television, Logo, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, COMEDY
CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, and more than 130 networks around the world, as
well as digital assets such as MTV.com, comedycentral.com, VSPOT,
TurboNick, Neopets, Xfire and iFilm; BET Networks; Paramount Pictures;
DreamWorks; and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its
businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com.
SOURCE MTV Networks
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Related links:
http://www.mtv.com
http://www.viacom.com/
CONTACT:
David Bittler of MTV Networks,
+1-212-846-5263, david.bittler@mtvstaff.com
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