It's out with the old and in with the new for MTV this week. But change might be a good thing for the network. (Video via MTV / "Awkward")
MTV's longtime president, Stephen Friedman, announced he was stepping down from the position Wednesday. (Video via Cannes Lions Learnings)
And later that day, MTV officially introduced Discovery Communications digital media executive Sean Atkins as Friedman's successor.
Atkins will oversee all creative and business operations for MTV, MTV2 and mtvU. (Video via MTV)
And he'll report to Doug Herzog, the president of the Viacom Music and Entertainment Group. (Video via Intern Sushi)
Herzog sounds pretty pleased with the new hire. He said in a statement,
"The strength of MTV lies in its ability to constantly reinvent, and Sean’s forward-thinking, versatile leadership will ensure our brand and business continue to evolve and deliver for our audience." (Video via MTV / "Teen Mom 2")
And Atkins' impressive experience in the realm of digital media probably won't hurt either. (Video via Interactive Advertising Bureau)
During his time at Discovery, he oversaw online video strategy and streaming video networks, including Revision3, SourceFed and Discovery News. (Video via Revision3)
And before that, Atkins served as the senior vice president of digital media at HBO, where he helped build the platform that eventually became HBO Go. (Video via HBO)
Yeah, not too shabby. And from the looks of it, MTV could really use some new blood.
The network's ratings have been on the decline, much like those of many other youth-centric channels operated by Viacom, i.e. VH1 and Nickelodeon.
As a writer for Deadline points out, "MTV's ratings have been impacted seriously by the younger generation's move away from traditional television as twentysomethings cut the cord and consume content almost exclusively on digital platforms."
Friedman joined MTV back in 1998 and served as president starting in 2011. It's unclear what he plans to pursue next.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
