Tom Freston
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Biography
Beginning as director of marketing for MTV in 1980, Freston made it to vice presidential status in that division after three years. In 1987, with experience at The Movie Channel and VH-1 as well as time as general manager of MTV behind him, he became president and CEO of the latter. Soon thereafter, Freston helped MTV recover from the leveling off after the network's initial ratings bonanza in the early 80s. Freston has since nurtured the success of the MTV-owned Nick at Nite as well as the expansion of both the network's programming (including game shows and in-depth interviews) and its overseas interests.
Filmography
Producer (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Producer (Special)
Life Events
1983
Returned to MTV Networks as vice president of marketing of MTV
1984
Promoted to vice president of marketing of MTV Networks
1985
Made senior vice president and general manager for affiliate sales and marketing
1987
Named president and chief executive officer, with responsibilities for Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, MTV and VH-1
1989
Promoted to chairman and CEO of MTV Networks
1989
Launched Ha!, a comedy network; became basis of Comedy Central
1996
Oversaw launch of TV Land, a spin-off network from Nick at Nite
2000
Following merger between CBS and Viacom, assumed leadership of combination of CBS Cable and MTV
2004
Named Co-President and Co-COO of Viacom (along with Leslie Moonves), overseeing all cable network properties (MTV Networks and Showtime Networks), the motion picture businesses of Paramount Pictures, and the publishing operations of Simon & Schuster
2005
Viacom board of directors split the corporation into two separate companies with Paramount Pictures and the MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, BET, CMT, and Comedy Central television networks headed by Freston
2006
Resigned his position with Viacom Inc.
Family
Companions
