CW Joins Viacom Channels Carrying MTV’s VMAs

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Linear nets look to find viewers

A VMA performance by Beyonce (Image credit: MTV)

In a move borne partly of corporate synergy, The CW Network will be carrying MTV’s 2020 VMAs on Aug. 30.

The CW, a joint venture of AT&T and ViacomCBS, became one of MTV’s siblings when Viacom and CBS merged last year.

Like most things on linear TV, ratings for the VMAs have been eroding. To reach more potential viewers, Viacom began simulcasting the award shows on its other cable networks.

This year, the VMAs will appear on 11 ViacomCBS brands in addition to The CW.

A 90-minute VMA pre-show will appear only on MTV

The VMAs will be hosted by Keke Palmer from New York City. The show will feature performances by Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, The Weeknd, BTS, Black Eyed Peas, Doja Cat, DaBaby, Maluma and CNCO, with more to be announced.

Jon Lafayette
Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.