Its new approach means revitalizing its flagship brands, a lot that includes Nickelodeon, MTV, BET and Comedy Central. “Our purpose is clear: to reinvent and strengthen our brands to build a stronger future that’s rooted in exceptional storytelling across entertainment, news and sports,” TV Media Chair George Cheeks wrote in a memo sent to employees on Tuesday, per Variety. This overhaul, the exec explained, will involve “celebrating each brand” under the Paramount Skydance umbrella, embracing their respective IP.
“Our cable brands will focus on a more curated slate, optimizing programming and marketing resources to amplify what resonates most,” Cheeks continued in the message. “That means leaning into franchises like SpongeBob, PAW Patrol, RuPaul’s Drag Race, South Park, Ms. Pat and The Daily Show, while continuing to develop new IP across our studios and seeking new ways to amplify and connect with audiences.”
Alongside announcing a new slate of network higher-ups to help usher in these changes, including tapping longtime exec Laurel Weir to “lead programming” for “MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and other cable networks” while “oversee[ing] the Global Programming Acquisitions Group across TV Media,” Cheeks praised his employees’ “resilience” amid company layoffs. He also encouraged his staffers “to embrace new ideas and focus on what truly makes an impact on our business” as these changes take effect.
“It is essential that we clarify priorities and be intentional in all we do,” Cheeks added, noting that teams “also need to be honest about what’s not working.” “Let’s share expertise and work together because our success depends on how we show up for each other and for our audiences,” he noted.
Inside Taylor Sheridan’s Shocking Move
Cheeks’ announcement comes days after Sheridan reportedly inked a major film and television deal with Paramount’s competitor, NBCUniversal. Though Sheridan isn’t set to leave the network until Jan. 1, 2029, once the TV icon’s current contract with Paramount lapses in 2028, his longtime collaborator David Glasser and his company 101 Studios are jumping ship next year.
Considering the success of Sheridan’s various series, some have speculated that these shocking moves came partially as a result of this year’s controversial Skydance-Paramount merger, citing, among other factors, the recent praise from his TV bosses, including Paramount’s reigning CEO, David Ellison.
“We can just make this his home for as long as he wants to tell stories,” Ellison said of potentially extending Sheridan’s contract last August, taking care to describe his creative colleague as “a singular genius with a perfect track record.”
