MTV Networks Names Two to President Posts

MTV Networks, a cable-TV unit of Viacom International, on Thursday divided operating responsibilities between two executives, who were each given newly created positions.

Tom Freston, a senior vice president and general manager of MTV, was named president of MTV Networks Entertainment. Reporting to him will be the programming, production and marketing groups of MTV, including Music Television, VH-1/Video Hits One, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite; MTVN affiliate sales and marketing; business management and development, and press and public affairs.

Robert A. Roganti, previously senior vice president and general manager of advertising sales, was named president of MTV Networks Operations. Reporting to Roganti will be advertising sales for each of the MTVN networks (MTV, VH-1, Nickelodeon and Nick at Nite), MTVN promotional marketing and MTVN corporate services, which includes creative services and research.

The move reflects a consolidation at the fast-growing entertainment company and will permit Robert W. Pittman, MTV Networks president and chief executive, to pursue new entertainment ventures, the company said in a prepared statement.