Judy McGrath Out At MTV Networks

Viacom Inc. announced today that Judy McGrath is resigning from her position as chairman and chief executive officer of its MTV Networks division. McGrath, who began her career with the company as a copywriter at MTV in 1981, was named chairman-CEO of MTV Networks in July 2004. The company said that a successor would not be named.

Viacom President-CEO Philippe Dauman said: “Judy has long been the creative heart and inspiring soul of MTV Networks and has deservedly been associated with so much of the great entertainment, cultural relevance, social significance and business success that have defined our media networks over the years.  Her positive and passionate spirit has helped create an organization that is recognized for truly listening to its audiences, not only about their entertainment choices, but also about the social issues and the causes that matter to them most.

“We will all miss Judy enormously, but we respect her decision and understand her desire to leave at the very top of the game with a legacy of success that stretches from the earliest days of cable television to current season highlights.”

McGrath said: “The people of MTV Networks have always been singularly important to me.  Together we have built world-class brands that connect with fans from kid to adulthood, from SpongeBob to Hot In Cleveland, from Unplugged to The Daily Show. We have attracted and nurtured the best talent in the world, and I know that will always be a hallmark of the company. Creatively, financially, all the brands and businesses are in wonderful shape today. I leave with pride, joy and gratitude for the ride of a lifetime. I especially thank my friends and colleagues on the senior team, who will continue to lead a kick-ass organization. They have my respect and affection, always.”

With the departure of McGrath, the executives in charge of MTV Networks’ operating units — Doug Herzog, president, MTVN Entertainment Group; Van Toffler, president, MTVN Music & Logo Group; and Cyma Zarghami, president, Nickelodeon & MTVN Kids & Family Group — will report directly to Dauman.

McGrath held a succession of positions at MTV Networks since the launch of MTV in 1981. She began her career at Conde Nast Publications.