Tom Freston Names Betsy Frank Executive Vice President, Research and Planning, Viacom's Cable Networks, Film and Publishing

Tom Freston Names Betsy Frank Executive Vice President, Research and Planning, Viacom's Cable Networks, Film and Publishing NEW YORK, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tom Freston, Co-President and Co-COO, Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:VIA.B), responsible for MTV Networks, Showtime, BET, Paramount Pictures and Simon & Schuster, today named Betsy Frank to the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Research and Planning, Viacom's Cable Networks, Film and Publishing. Ms. Frank will report jointly to Mr. Freston and Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO, MTV Networks. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041123/NYTU141 ) Ms. Frank will work with Mr. Freston and the leaders of the company's cable, film and publishing divisions to support their creative and business goals by developing original consumer research strategies. Through the creation of this position, Viacom will deepen its relationship with its audiences, reinforce best practices across its cable, film and publishing divisions and ensure that the consumer is at the heart of all strategic decision-making. "When it comes to getting inside the minds of consumers, Betsy is the best in the business," said Tom Freston, Co-President and Co-COO, Viacom Inc. "Betsy's work here, over the last seven years, has been a huge factor in the phenomenal success of MTV Networks. And, at the heart of that, has been her ability to provide great consumer insights, knowledge and observations that have helped us craft our business and programming strategies and our moves into the digital world. It's a great opportunity now to take Betsy's expertise and share it with the other divisions in my portfolio." Judy McGrath, Chairman & CEO of MTV Networks, added, "I'm really pleased that I will continue to be able to tap into Betsy's unique, consumer-focused perspective, which has served us so well over the last seven years. Additionally, I couldn't be happier with the incredible research team she has built and leaves us with. With their great expertise, we couldn't be better positioned for the future." Ms. Frank joined MTV Networks in 1997 as Executive Vice President of Research and Planning. During her tenure at MTVN, she has built the company's research departments into industry leaders through a proactive, strategic approach to consumer research. Her emphasis on planning, analysis, and integration has not only contributed to the recent record successes of MTV Networks, but has fostered new ways of understanding consumer tastes and trends industry-wide. Over the years, she has produced numerous groundbreaking research studies and analyses, including the often-cited "Leisure Time Study," a far-reaching examination of consumers' evolving media and entertainment habits. She also has been at the forefront of identifying and understanding the new, current generation of media consumers, the "Media Actives," whose tastes and attitudes are having significant impact across the entertainment industry. Her influence also extends to the press, as she has been vocal in championing the changing trends in television, most notably identifying the parity between broadcast and cable television in reaching specific audiences. Prior to joining MTV Networks, Ms. Frank was Executive Vice President and Director of Strategic Media Resources for Saatchi & Saatchi's media specialist arm, Zenith Media Services. While at Saatchi and Zenith, her published annual surveys of network programming were considered to be the primary sources on television programming and development. Prior to joining Saatchi & Saatchi in 1978, Ms. Frank held positions at the Bristol-Myers Company and Ted Bates & Company. Viacom is a leading global media company, with preeminent positions in broadcast and cable television, radio, outdoor advertising, and online. With programming that appeals to audiences in every demographic category across virtually all media, the company is a leader in the creation, promotion, and distribution of entertainment, news, sports, music, and comedy. Viacom's well- known brands include CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, VH1, BET, Paramount Pictures, Infinity Broadcasting, Viacom Outdoor, UPN, TV Land, Comedy Central, CMT: Country Music Television, King World, Spike TV, Showtime, and Simon & Schuster. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com/. Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041123/NYTU141 AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN4 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Viacom Inc. CONTACT: Susan Duffy of Viacom, +1-212-258-6347; or Jeanine Smartt of MTV Networks, +1-212-846-7437 Web site: http://www.viacom.com/ ------- Profile: International Entertainment