CMT has tapped an executive from sister VHI to help lead series development for the country music service.
Claire McCabe, who has been an executive producer at VH1, has joined CMT as vice president, original programming and series development. Based in Nashville, McCabe, who will report to Bob Kusbit, the network’s head of development, now has oversight for creating new series and executing all aspects of production, from conception to delivery.
Among her projects, McCabe will oversee production of the recently announced series Outsider’s Inn, which premieres in August and documents the toils and troubles of Maureen McCormick, Carnie Wilson and Bobby Brown as they try to run a bed and breakfast in rural east Tennessee.
At VH1, McCabe served as executive producer responsible for developing new series such as Scott Baio is 45 and Single and Breaking Bonaduce, along with the celebrity music series But Can They Sing. She has over 15 years experience in the entertainment and TV industry working on a variety of music, unscripted and original programming, including a stint at Music Chose, where she produced concerts for such artists as Coldplay, Smashmouth and KD Land, among others. In addition, she managed live concert specials and music series as director of alternative programming and specials at the Disney Channel.
“As a proven MTV Networks development exec, Claire knows how to find great ideas and turn them into hits,” said Kusbit in a statement. “We’re on a roll at CMT right now, and I’m thrilled to have Claire in Nashville to keep the momentum going.”
