MUMBAI: Media conglomerate Viacom has announced the promotion of key executives to new roles at CBS and Paramount Network Television. This will create a new management structure that will transform CBS' programming operations.
 
 
In the reorganisation, CBS Productions, which has been instrumental in the production of virtually every hit programme on CBS, will be merged into Paramount Network Television. The new entity will be based at the Paramount Studios and will keep the Paramount name. However, the CBS Productions brand will still be utilised for certain programmes.

Making the announcement, Viacom co-president and co-COO Leslie Moonves who also serves as CBS chairman said, "We have got the greatest group of assets ever assembled to serve television viewers across all platforms. This reorganisation helps us make the most of that portfolio of properties. The good news is that we've got the best people in the business to lead us into the future."

Nancy Tellem, who has served as CBS Entertainment president has been promoted to the newly-created post of CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group president. She will oversee operations at CBS Entertainment and Paramount Network Television. This includes development, programming, production, legal and business affairs.

In the past she oversaw the development of shows like CSI, Survivor and the comedy Two And A Half Men. Nina Tassler will succeed Tellem as CBS Entertainment president. Tassler was heading drama development for the Network.

In her new post, Tassler will oversee Network programming for prime time, late night and daytime, as well as program development for all genres, including comedy, drama, reality, specials, movies and mini-series.

David Stapf is the president of the new, combined Paramount Network Television unit. Stapf has served as head of current programming at CBS since July 1999,

Moonves added, "Nancy Tellem is one of the very best strategic, business and programming minds in our industry. She is also a peerless manager of people, and one of the most-respected and well-liked executives in this business.

"She has an intuitive understanding of how the creative and business process work together to create success, and has been one of the main factors that has made our turnaround at CBS a reality."