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Redstone Loses MTV Top Exec, Installs Viacom Chief at Network

Looks like Viacom is tightening the ranks.

The company’s CEO Philippe Dauman has stepped in as head of MTV after yesterday’s high-profile departure of network CEO Judy McGrath. The move is seen as a power play by Dauman, according to the New York Post, with Viacom execs hoping to exert more control over their cash cow.

While it’s not clear whether Dauman will stay in this position permanently, a source told the Post that Viacom isn’t naming a successor for McGrath — apparently her departure is setting off a corporate restructuring. Looks like MTV is going to be on a tighter leash.

This, of course, comes as little surprise given the circumstances surrounding McGrath’s departure. The grande dame of reality T.V. had reportedly objected to MTV’s latest pet project, “Electric Barbarellas,” which Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone basically told [her] that she had to do,” according to a Daily Beast article last year. Coincidentally — or not — McGrath’s resignation came the day after the reality show (about an all-girl electro-pop band trying to make it big… really) premiered.

So will Dauman be the MTV-enforcing, Viacom mouthpiece we’re sure Redstone wants? Let’s hope so — for “Electric Barbarellas” sake.

TAGS: MTV. judy mcgrath

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