Viacom Restructuring Leads To CMT Exits

Lay offs hit CMT last week as part of the restructuring of parent company Viacom.

Craig Shelburne and Chris Parton were among the many staffers who exited CMT’s downtown Nashville headquarters.

Shelburne had been with the company since 2002 where he served as senior editor of CMT.com, editor of CMT Edge and producer for Live @ CMT and Concrete Country. He can be reached at cshelburne@msn.com and 615-397-7048.

Parton joined the network in 2007 and most recently served as writer/producer for CMT.com and CMTEdge.com. Contact him at partct78@gmail.com or 585-269-9128.

According to a CMT representative, “Viacom is making changes in three of our domestic network groups, creating two new organizations. These changes are part of the process of realigning our resources to meet the new needs of the organization.” One division will focus on kids and family, and will be home to CMT, CMT Pure, Nickelodeon and TV Land. The other organization will include MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, Spike, and Logo.

Reports from CMT indicate a “focus on more and better original programming that monetizes on all screens,” and “an ambitious and diverse programming slate that includes new original series and returning favorites.”

The reorganization also includes the departure of Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks Music & Logo Group (MTV, CMT, VH1), after almost three decades with the company.

Last week Ad Age pointed to a state Department of Labor notice that said Viacom will cut 264 employees in New York City.

Philippe Dauman is president/CEO of Viacom. According to The Wrap, his 2014 compensation totaled $44.3 million.