NEW YORK: MTV Networks chairman and CEO Tom Freston, has announced a new network group structure for the company. The new structure expands the roles of both Judy McGrath and Herb Scannell, longtime leaders within MTV Networks.

McGrath, formerly MTV Networks Music Group president will now become MTV Networks group president. She will be responsible for MTV, MTV2, VH1, CMT and Comedy Central, which officially joined Viacom and MTV Networks on 22 May. Comedy Central's president Larry Divney will report directly to McGrath. The former Nickelodeon, TV Land, and TNN president, Scannell, will become MTV Networks Group president. He will be responsible for Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, TV Land, Noggin and TNN. TNN will soon be knwon as Spike TV.

Freston said, "This structure places two of our best, most experienced, and most successful leaders in expanded roles that position us perfectly as we continue to expand as a company. Judy's accomplishments over the years speak for themselves. She has an unmatched creative vision and a proven ability to build, strengthen and transform powerful brands and I am thrilled to have her take on this added role and new challenge.

Herb is a remarkably talented creative executive who has brilliantly led the channels under his leadership from one success to another, dramatically growing their businesses along the way. His skills will serve us well as we launch Spike TV and aggressively grow that brand as the first network for men."

In their new roles McGrath and Scannell will oversee the
management of their respective networks. An official release informs that in addition, they will now together with Freston, MTV Networks President and COO Mark Rosenthal, MTV Networks International President Bill Roedy be part of a newly established MTV Networks Management Committee that will play the lead role in the management of the company.