Paramount Skydance Reorganizes Linear TV Business Under George Cheeks
In the wake of a significant round of layoffs, Paramount Skydance is restructuring its linear TV business under George Cheeks, the chair of TV media at Paramount. This reorganization brings cable outlets BET, Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon, among others, into Cheeks' purview within the TV Media division, alongside the broadcast network CBS.
Cheeks, in a memo to staff, emphasized the enduring impact of these brands, stating, 'These brands have entertained audiences and shaped culture for decades.' Despite the industry's evolution, he noted that their brand identities and creative voices remain potent and relevant. The company aims to leverage their power across platforms to cater to contemporary audiences and anticipate future trends.
As part of this restructuring, several key appointments have been made. Laurel Weir, previously executive vp and head of programming, strategic insights, and research for Paramount Media Networks, will now lead programming and global acquisitions for Paramount TV Media. Jules Borkent will oversee Nickelodeon Kids & Family's business and strategy, while Ashley Kaplan and Alec Botnick will lead Nickelodeon's animation studio for digital, television, and streaming platforms.
Ari Pearce takes the reins at Comedy Central, having previously worked as senior vp programming and development. Sitarah Pendelton will manage MTV's series and specials, including iconic franchises like RuPaul's Drag Race, with Jeannie Scalzo joining Weir to lead the MTV business. Trevor Rose moves from Paramount TV Studios to head talent and content strategy, and Nadja Webb will oversee music initiatives while maintaining her role in programming operations and business affairs for BET.
Cheeks' memo highlighted the importance of embracing new ideas and clarifying priorities, emphasizing that success relies on collaboration and a shared commitment to innovation. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to shape the future of TV media, stating, 'I believe in this team and in what we’re building as we shape the future of TV media together.'
The leadership structure for the new TV Media division is as follows:
- Laurel Weir: Programming for multiple brands, including MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and other cable networks, and overseeing global programming acquisitions.
- Jules Borkent: Nickelodeon Kids & Family's business and strategy.
- Ashley Kaplan and Alec Botnick: Nickelodeon's animation studio for digital, television, and streaming.
- Ari Pearce: Comedy Central, including new comedy development and hit series oversight.
- Sitarah Pendelton: MTV series and specials, including RuPaul's Drag Race.
- Jeannie Scalzo: MTV business, in partnership with Weir.
- Trevor Rose: Talent and content strategy across cable brands.
- Nadja Webb: Music initiatives and programming operations for BET.
The cross-divisional TV Media leads include Bryon Rubin (COO & CFO), Mike Benson (Marketing), Allison Brightman and Jeeun Kim (Business Affairs), Whitney Delich (Human Resources), Chris Ender (Communications), Jeff Gerttula (Digital), Liz Miller (Production), Jeannie Scalzo (Brand Strategy & IP Monetization), Tiffany Smith-Anoa'i (Content Engagement & Partnerships), and Laurel Weir (Strategic Insights & Research).
Cheeks concluded by expressing his belief in the team's capabilities and the company's vision for the future of TV media.
