MTV Networks International (MTVNI), owned by Viacom Inc (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), announced today that Caroline Beaton, has been appointed to Senior Vice President, International Programme Sales, effective immediately. Tasked with aligning the strategic direction of the Programme Sales division internationally and working across all MTVN platforms and businesses to drive programme sales and distribution worldwide, Beaton will also continue to oversee the expansion of MTVNI’s extensive format library. Based in London, Beaton reports to Steve Grieder, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon and Programme Sales, MTVNI.

As Senior Vice President, Beaton is responsible for international programme distribution activities for MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, CMT, TV Land and Spike TV and is charged with pursuing co-production financing opportunities in partnership with IPS across MTV Networks’ core competency areas of kids, music and young people, for sale to third parties. Beaton has also assumed a seat on the MTVNI Programming Council where her expertise is exploited in assessing all potential programming from a channel and distribution perspective. In addition, regional sales team heads based in Asia Pacific, Europe, Japan and Latin America will report directly to Beaton.

“Caroline’s deep knowledge of the industry coupled with her expert insights into multiplatform trends and her ability to identify co-production and formats rights potential will be instrumental in realising the full potential of MTVNI’s content,” commented Steve Grieder. “Based on a collaborative model with MTVNI’s international network of local channels, our third party broadcast partnerships and the company’s multiple lines of business, Caroline will work towards enhancing our offerings globally.”

Beaton has been consulting for MTVNI since Spring 2008 during which time she is credited with identifying, leveraging and maximising MTVNI’s formats potential. Since formalising IPS’ formats arm last year, Beaton has been instrumental in developing a formats catalogue, bolstering and training the international sales team as well as overseeing the negotiation of multiple brand new format deals to be announced shortly.

Beaton first joined MTVNI in 1996, leaving in 2000 to take up the position of Director of International and New Business at Carlton Television’s formats division, Action Time, based in the UK. On leaving the post of Managing Director at Action Time in 2004, Beaton founded Road Trip Media. During this time, Beaton worked with TV producers, distributors, broadcasters and other media organisations providing strategic and commercial advice to independent TV producers and rights owners, gave in-put into programme development and consulted on a range of issues including event design and delivery, start-ups, developing communication and improving commercial impact. As a fully qualified and accredited coach and mentor, Beaton also continues to run a successful executive coaching practise built upon corporate clients.

Beaton holds a BA honours degree in English and Drama from Goldsmith’s College, University of London and currently lives in London with her children.

A global leader in creating and packaging innovative programming, MTVNI’s branded content appeals across many demographics. A multi-genre, multiplatform, multi-brand one-stop shop for broadcast clients, MTVNI is a long time producer of formats such as Pimp My Ride and Blue’s Clues and digital rights are available via the MTVN Web Catch-Up+ service.