CMT announced a restructuring plan Wednesday (March 13), that includes several departments integrating into Viacom Media Networks’ music group in New York. A number of employees from the Nashville-based marketing team will be exiting the company as the New York office will fully integrate the marketing, music, scheduling, communications and event production departments.
The organization’s music group currently reports to Chris McCarthy, president of MTV, VH1 and Logo Media. The initial reorganization began in late October 2018, when CMT was added to McCarthy's portfolio, which already included MTV, VH1 and Logo.
The changes continue Viacom’s evolution as a media network. With the goal of doubling down on everything Nashville has to offer, CMT’s music programming, tentpoles and events remain at the center of the company’s plan moving forward, as well as the promise of new initiatives beginning in the summer.
Anthony Barton, head of CMT marketing, has announced his departure. Additionally, Suzanne Norman, head of the Nashville office, will also be exiting. Meanwhile, former CMT general manager Frank Tanki left the company in October, when CMT was folded into Viacom music group’s initial restructuring.
A significant number of the staff at CMT will remain in Nashville, while new leadership is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.
Below is McCarthy’s full memo announcing the changes.
Hi everyone,
We have made great progress over the last couple of years to fully harness the creative power of our collective group.
By integrating our departments across brands, removing silos and developing best-in-class creative teams, we are building a stronger group together.
Today, we are taking the next step -- as we finalize the integration of CMT with a new, simplified structure. Moving forward, the CMT marketing, music, scheduling, communications and event production teams will be fully integrated within our group, under our existing unified leadership team. Several CMT leads will be taking on expanded roles working across all of our brands, particularly in partnership marketing and event production.
Unfortunately, however, this new structure does mean some hard changes. A number of our CMT marketing colleagues will be leaving including Anthony Barton, the head of CMT marketing, and Suzanne Norman, the head of our Nashville office.
Suzanne and Anthony are passionate champions for the CMT brand and we are very grateful for their many years of dedication. Without them, and many of our CMT colleagues, it would not be as strong as it is today. Please join me in thanking them and wishing everyone continued success.
The heart and soul of CMT is our music programming, tentpoles and deep connection to Nashville -- which will be at the center of CMT’s growth plan forward. Through increased programming and events, we will further amplify Nashville and its thriving country music scene. More to come on this shortly.
Thank you for your continued support as we transform our group and the company for the future.
Best,
Chris
