Herb Scannell and Bill Roedy Named Vice Chairmen, MTV Networks

Herb Scannell and Bill Roedy Named Vice Chairmen, MTV Networks

NEW YORK, March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Judy McGrath today appointed Herb Scannell and Bill Roedy to the positions of Vice Chairman, MTV Networks and President, Nickelodeon Networks and Vice Chairman, MTV Networks and President, MTV Networks International, respectively.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050316/NYW124-ahttp://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050316/NYW124-b )

Mr. Scannell, in addition to continuing to manage the overall businesses of Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, TV Land, Noggin/The N, and Spike TV, will be adding responsibility for overseeing the development of several new channels and multimedia offerings for MTV Networks in the U.S. that will target and serve emerging and specialized audiences. He will also take on responsibility for key MTV Networks' corporate functions, including Business Development, Human Resources, Law and Business Affairs, IS&T and Creative Services. Based in New York, he will continue to report to Ms. McGrath.

Mr. Roedy, who is currently responsible for MTV Networks' International operations, will continue to manage that business, which will be a key driver of MTV Networks' growth moving forward. Additionally, Mr. Roedy, will oversee his division's investments and expansions into multi-media platforms, where international markets will play a vital role in the company's global multi- platform strategies. Mr. Roedy will also continue to lead global public affairs initiatives. Mr. Roedy, who is based in London, will continue to report to Ms. McGrath.

"These two appointments help ensure that MTV Networks will continue to be an industry leader both domestically and worldwide," said Ms. McGrath. "As a business leader, Herb has dramatically grown Nickelodeon into one of cable's most profitable and successful networks, uniquely positioned with 3 revenue streams, including a robust licensing business, and successfully developed new channels such as TV Land, Noggin and the transition to Spike TV. This is the perfect time for him to expand his focus and to take on this additional corporate role. I'm looking forward to Herb bringing his unique combination of business and cultural strengths to our organization.

"This new role for Bill recognizes his great work running our most complicated and widespread business so well, for so long. With Bill's leadership, we've become the first truly global media company. I'm looking forward to working closely with Bill as he takes the international business to the next level by continuing to rollout our networks worldwide and expanding them across multi-media platforms, while also passionately championing dynamic global pro-social campaigns."

Scannell is responsible for all creative and business operations at Nickelodeon, the #1 kid's entertainment brand; Nick at Nite; Nickelodeon's digital television offerings Noggin/The N, Nickelodeon Games and Sports and NickToons Television; TV Land, the highest rated cable network to launch within the past seven years; and the first network for men, Spike TV. Additionally, Scannell oversees Paramount Parks and Viacom Consumer Products.

Under Scannell's leadership, Nickelodeon has been the number one-rated cable network for over nine consecutive years in total day ratings. He has successfully led Nickelodeon's continuing innovations in original TV programming for kids and expanded Nickelodeon's brand into feature films, consumer products, magazines, online, and live theatrical shows. Nickelodeon is now seen in 165 territories in 291 million homes around the world, and provides kids programming in 30 different languages. Honored with numerous awards, including NAMIC Vision, Imagen, Parent's Choice and The Peabody Award, Mr. Scannell and Nickelodeon received acclaim by critics and advocates for its continued leadership and groundbreaking commitment to diversity with shows such as Dora The Explorer, The Brothers Garcia, Little Bill and Romeo!

Bill Roedy oversees all of MTV Networks' growing international multimedia business operations for the brands MTV: Music Television, Nickelodeon, VH1, VIVA, TMF: The Music Factory, Game One and Paramount Comedy, which collectively provide the largest global network of localized TV channels and Web sites targeting kid, youth and adult audiences.

Under his leadership, MTV Networks has pioneered a localized approach to building a global network, which includes more uniquely programmed networks and Web sites around the world than any other entertainment company and reaches an estimated one billion people. The company's innovative multi- platform approach showcases award-winning content via 100 cable, satellite and terrestrial TV networks, 90 Web sites, PC broadband cable, mobile phones, PDA (personal digital assistants), and other emerging technologies throughout the Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America and Russia.

Through his extensive travels and advocacy for social responsibility, Mr. Roedy leads the company's efforts to promote issues important to audiences around the world, including HIV/AIDS. He is an Ambassador for UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, and has been honored by the International Emmys, International AIDS Trust, Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS and Youth Aids for his leadership in helping to fight the pandemic. To get HIV/AIDS prevention messages out to the widest audience possible, the company offers all Staying Alive shows to any broadcaster rights free and at no cost -- reaching three-quarters of the world's television households with numerous programs. Most recently, Mr. Roedy oversaw the company's first global fundraising initiative, MTV Asia Aid, a concert in Bangkok airing on all MTV channels and a further 50 broadcasters worldwide to help UNICEF raise donations on behalf of tsunami relief efforts.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B), 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, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

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CONTACT: Carole Robinson, +1-212-846-8760, or Jeanine Smartt, +1-212-846-7437, both of MTV Networks

Web site: http://www.mtv.com/

------- Profile: Ent