MTV Networks CEO Judy McGrath hired from within to replace Nicole Browning, naming Denise Dahldorf to oversee MTVN’s affiliate-sales and marketing corps.
Dahldorf’s been promoted to executive vice president of affiliate sales at MTVN and BET Networks; she had been senior VP of cable sales, distribution and national accounts. The news is scheduled to be released Monday.
In her new role, Dahldorf oversees all distribution activities of the domestic MTVN and BETN programming services: MTV, MTV 2, mtvU, MTV Tr3s, MTV World, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Spike TV, Comedy Central, Logo, TV Land, Noggin/The N, CMT, VH1 Classic, 13 networks in MTVN’s Digital Suite, BET, BET Gospel and BET J.
Viacom’s cable networks generated about $7.3 billion in total revenue in 2006 and about $3.2 billion in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (a measure of cash flow), according to Merrill Lynch.
McGrath said in a statement, “Denise is a skilled negotiator and a passionate advocate for our multiplatform portfolio of brands. Having someone with her expertise leading our distribution efforts ensures that as many people can enjoy and connect with our content, in as many homes and on as many screens as possible.”
BET Networks chairman and CEO Debra Lee said in the release: "We are extremely excited about working with the team under Denise's leadership. Not only is she an exceptional dealmaker, but she really understands the power and relevance of all of the brands within BET Networks' portfolio."
Dahldorf has been with MTVN since 1994, when she joined as an affiliate-services director in Chicago.
Browning, after 21 years at MTVN, left in an unexpected move announced Jan. 11, at the same time MTVN chief operating officer Michael Wolf’s departure was disclosed. Peter Low, an executive VP under Browning, also left.
The perception among some MTVN employees is that Browning and Low left in a cost-saving maneuver.
Browning had a president’s title, but Dahldorf has the top job in the department, reporting to acting COO Richard Eigendorff, MTVN said.
