Editing Paramount Media Networks

{{Short description|American mass media division}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Paramount Media Networks
| logo = [[File:Paramount Media Networks.webp|frameless|class=skin-invert]]
| logo_size = 200px
| former_names = {{plainlist|
* Warner Cable Communications (1977–1979)
* Warner-Amex Cable Entertainment (1979–1984)
* MTV Networks (1984–2011)
* Viacom Media Networks (2011–2019)
* ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks (2019–2022)
}}
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]]
| industry = {{Unbulleted list|[[Entertainment]]|[[Cable television]]|[[Satellite television]]}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|1977|12|1}}
| founder = [[Robert Pittman (media executive)|Robert Pittman]]
| hq_location = [[One Astor Plaza|1515 Broadway]]
| hq_location_city = [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]]
| hq_location_country = U.S.
| brands = {{Flatlist|
* [[Awesomeness (company)|AwesomenessTV]]
* [[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]]
* [[Comedy Central]]
* [[Flix (TV network)|Flix]]
* [[Logo TV]]
* [[MTV]]
* [[Nick at Nite]]
* [[Nick Jr. Channel]]
* [[Nickelodeon]]
* [[Nicktoons (American TV channel)|Nicktoons]]
* [[Paramount Network]]
* [[Pop (American TV channel)|Pop TV]]
* [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]
* [[Smithsonian Channel]]
* [[TeenNick]]
* [[The Movie Channel]]
* [[TV Land]]
* [[VH1]]
}}
| owner = 
| parent = {{Unbulleted list|[[Time Warner Cable|Warner-Amex Cable]] (1977–1986)|Viacom ([[Viacom (1952–2005)|1986–2005]]; [[Viacom (2005–2019)|2005–2019]])|[[Paramount Global]] (2019–present)}}
| divisions = {{Unbulleted list|[[Paramount Media Networks#MTV Entertainment Group|MTV Entertainment Group]]||[[Showtime Networks]]|[[Nickelodeon Group]]|[[Awesomeness (company)|AwesomenessTV]]}}
}}
[[File:MTV Networks 1984.png|thumb|right|class=skin-invert|The original prototype logo for MTV Networks.]]
[[File:MTV Networks logo.svg|thumb|right|class=skin-invert|The logo for MTV Networks.]]
[[File:Viacom media networks.svg|thumb|right|class=skin-invert|The logo for Viacom Media Networks.]]
[[File:ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks logo 2019.png|thumb|right|class=skin-invert|The first logo for ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks.]]
'''Paramount Media Networks''' is the division of [[Paramount Global]] that oversees the operations of its [[television channel]]s and online brands. The division was originally founded as '''MTV Networks''' in 1984, named after [[MTV]].<ref name="worldradio"/> It would be known under this name until 2011; when it would be thereafter known as '''Viacom Media Networks''' until 2019; and '''ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks''' until 2022.

The division's television assets are managed through three units: the [[#MTV Entertainment Group|MTV Entertainment Group]], [[Showtime Networks]], and the [[Nickelodeon Group]], while also holding [[Awesomeness (company)|AwesomenessTV]]. Paramount's international assets are overseen by [[Paramount International Networks]].

== History ==
=== Pre-launch: Warner Communications joint venture (1977–1984) ===
'''Warner Cable Communications''' was founded on December 1, 1977, by [[Time Warner Cable|Warner Cable]], itself a division of [[Warner Communications]], to launch [[QUBE]], an interactive cable television network. Seeing the potential in the creation of new cable networks, Warner Cable divested QUBE's biggest brands, Star Channel, Pinwheel and Sight on Sound, into nationwide outlets. Star Channel began by satellite in January 1979 and was renamed [[The Movie Channel]] by the end of the year. The original Channel C-3, by then known as Pinwheel, became [[Nickelodeon]] in April 1979. As a result of these actions, Warner Cable Communications would then be rebranded as '''Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment''', becoming a [[joint venture]] between Warner Cable and [[American Express]].

In 1980, Warner-Amex formed a joint venture with the now-defunct [[Cablevision]]'s Rainbow Media (now [[AMC Networks]]) division to launch [[Bravo (American TV network)|Bravo]], a cable network dedicated to arts and films, on December 1, 1980. Full control of the channel, however, was sold to Rainbow Media in 1984; [[NBC]] would acquire Bravo in 2003, and the channel is now currently owned by [[Comcast]]'s [[NBCUniversal]].<ref>{{Cite web |author1=MCN Staff |date=2002-11-04 |title=NBC to Buy Bravo |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/nbc-buy-bravo-154810 |access-date=2022-08-21 |website=Multichannel News |language=en}}</ref>

On August 1, 1981, [[MTV]] debuted. In 1983, concerned by the strategic and financial failure of its pay-television venture The Movie Channel (started to reap the benefits Time Inc. was having with [[HBO]] and [[Cinemax]]), WASEC established a joint venture with [[Viacom (1952–2006)|Viacom]], merging TMC with their premium movie network Showtime to form [[Showtime Networks|Showtime/The Movie Channel, Inc.]]; WASEC, however, had no operational involvement in the joint venture.

=== Launch as MTV Networks, Viacom gets full ownership (1984–2011) ===
On June 25, 1984, Warner Communications made the decision to divest it's assets to Warner-Amex Cable Entertainment and rebrand it as MTV Networks.<ref name="worldradio">{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=June 25, 1984|title=Warner takes MTV, Nickelodeon public|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/84-OCR/BC-1984-06-25-OCR-Page-0058.pdf#search=%22mtv%20networks%22|periodical=Broadcasting|publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc.|via=World Radio History|access-date=January 12, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/07/19/business/business-people-a-chief-is-named-by-mtv-networks.html |title=BUSINESS PEOPLE; A Chief Is Named By MTV Networks |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=July 19, 1985 |website=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=June 1, 2014}}</ref> A year later, Warner would acquire the 50% stake from American Express.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=August 12, 1985|title=Warner to buy out American Express; MTV to go private (page 29)|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1985/BC-1985-08-12.pdf|periodical=Broadcasting|publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc.|via=World Radio History|access-date=January 13, 2022}}</ref>

On August 27, 1985, Warner sold 31% of MTV Networks to Viacom, with Warner also selling 19% of its Showtime/The Movie Channel, Inc. joint to Viacom as well.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=August 27, 1985|title=Viacom to Buy Warner Stake In Cable Units|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1985/08/27/viacom-to-buy-warner-stake-in-cable-units/f9a17068-093d-4d39-be78-e7b0a0724ac4/|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=September 2, 1985|title=Viacom gets its MTV (page 50)|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1985/BC-1985-09-02.pdf|periodical=Broadcasting|publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc.|via=World Radio History|access-date=January 13, 2022}}</ref>

In November 1985, Viacom announced that it had plans to buy the remaining 69% of MTV Networks from Warner for $326 million,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Fabrikant|first=Geraldine|date=1986-09-17|title=VIACOM CHIEF LEADS GROUP'S BUYOUT BID (Published 1986)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/17/business/viacom-chief-leads-group-s-buyout-bid.html|access-date=2021-01-23|issn=0362-4331|quote=In November 1985, Viacom acquired MTV Networks for $326 million in cash and warrants. One-third of MTV was publicly owned; the rest was owned by Warner Communications and the American Express Company. At the same time, Viacom bought 50 percent of Showtime, the pay television service, that it did not already own for $184 million.}}</ref> and the acquisition was completed on May 20, 1986.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=May 20, 1986|title=Viacom has bought MTV and Showtime/TMC|url= https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/86-OCR/BC-1986-05-26-OCR-Page-0045.pdf#search=%22viacom%20mtv%20networks%22|periodical=Broadcasting|publisher=Broadcasting Publications, Inc.|via=World Radio History|access-date=January 24, 2022}}</ref>

In 1988, the company partnered with fellow Viacom subsidiary [[Viacom Productions|Viacom Enterprises]] to handle advertising sales of ''[[Superboy (TV series)|Superboy]]'', a syndicated television series.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 18, 1988 |title=Superboy barter |pages=61 |work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]] |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/88-OCR/BC-1988-07-18-OCR-Page-0061.pdf |access-date=November 2, 2023}}</ref> The division was later evolved into One World Entertainment in the early 1990s, who partnered to launch a [[VH1]] syndicated series.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Rich |date=October 5, 1992 |title=VH-1 looks for syndication hit |pages=32 |work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]] |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/92-OCR/BC-1992-10-05-OCR-Page-0032.pdf |access-date=November 2, 2023}}</ref> In 2003, MTV Networks assumed full ownership of [[Comedy Central]] from [[WarnerMedia|AOL Time Warner.]]

On December 31, 2005, the remnants of MTV Networks and Showtime Networks were separated following Viacom's split into two entities: [[CBS Corporation]], which retained [[CBS]], [[UPN]], [[Simon & Schuster]] and Showtime Networks ([[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]], The Movie Channel, and [[Flix (TV network)|Flix]]), and a spun-off company under the [[Viacom (2005–2019)|Viacom]] name, which took ownership of [[Paramount Pictures]], [[BET Networks]] and MTV Networks (Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and VH1).

=== Expansion (2011–2019) ===
MTV Networks was renamed '''Viacom Media Networks''' in 2011. In the fall of 2012, media analysts began to report that ratings among some of Viacom's leading brands in the United States were experiencing declines in viewership.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jannarone |first=John |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204005004578081250039467718 |title=Audiences Fall for MTV, Comedy Central |publisher=The Wall Street Journal |date=October 28, 2012 |access-date=June 22, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Flint |first=Joe |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2012-oct-10-la-et-ct-mtv-ratings-20121010-story.html |title=MTV has big ratings issue, analyst warns |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 10, 2012 |access-date=June 22, 2013}}</ref> MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon were of most concern to investors as the three account for roughly 50% of Viacom's operating profit, estimated David Bank of RBC Capital Markets.

In 2017, Viacom announced a five-point restructuring plan, in which the company would pour most of its resources behind six "flagship brands". These were MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, [[Nick Jr. Channel]], [[BET]], and Paramount Pictures.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/02/viacom-ceo-bob-bakish-supports-paramount-non-core-networks-how-long-1201906682/|title=Viacom CEO Supports Paramount And Non-Core Networks – But For How Long?|last=Lieberman|first=David|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 18, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/viacom-stock-rises-restructuring-410804|title=Viacom Stock Rises on Restructuring|website=Multichannel|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mesalliance.org/2017/02/09/viacom-unveils-five-point-turnaround-plan-mesa/|title=Viacom Unveils Five-Point Turnaround Plan (MESA)|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tbivision.com/2017/02/09/viacom-outlines-five-point-turnaround-plan/713091/|title=Viacom outlines five point turnaround plan|website=TBI Vision|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 2, 2019}}</ref> In February 2017, cable channels [[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]] and [[TV Land]] were moved from the Kids and Family Group to the Global Entertainment Group under Kevin Kay, joining up with Spike TV.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goldberg |first1=Lesley |title=Viacom Restructure: CMT, TV Land Moved to Kevin Kay's Global Entertainment Group |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-restructure-cmt-tv-land-moved-kevin-kays-global-entertainment-group-971007 |access-date=February 5, 2019 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=February 1, 2017 |language=en}}</ref> During the same month, it was announced that Spike would be relaunched as [[Paramount Network]] in 2018, aligning with the namesake film studio and being positioned as Viacom's main general entertainment outlet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/02/spike-the-paramount-network-renamed-viacom-rebranding-1201906611/|title=Spike President On Channel's Rebranding As The Paramount Network|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=February 10, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/02/spike-name-change-the-paramount-network-viacom-1201906039/|title=Spike To Change Name & Become The Paramount Network In Viacom Rebranding|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=September 18, 2017}}</ref> BET Networks launched [[BET+]] in September of 2017.

In October 2018, Kevin Kay was announced to be leaving his position as head of the Entertainment Group. CMT was transferred from the Entertainment Group to the Music Group under president Chris McCarthy, with his exit. Executive Kent Alterman would take charge of Paramount Network and TV Land to go with his current leadership of Comedy Central and [[Bellator MMA]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holloway |first1=Daniel |last2=Otterson |first2=Joe |title=Kevin Kay Exits Paramount Network as Viacom Reorganizes Cable Channels |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/kevin-kay-paramont-network-1202994450/ |access-date=February 5, 2019 |work=Variety |date=October 25, 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

In 2019, after acquiring the free streaming service [[Pluto TV]], Viacom would launch several channels on the service branded after its Media Networks and company–owned [[intellectual properties|IP]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-acquires-free-streaming-platform-pluto-tv-340-million-1178191|title=Viacom Acquires Free Streaming Platform Pluto TV for $340 Million|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 22, 2019|language=en|access-date=2019-01-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190304005551/en/Viacom-Announces-Completion-Pluto-TV-Acquisition|title=Viacom Announces Completion of Pluto TV Acquisition|date=2019-03-04|website=www.businesswire.com|language=en|access-date=2019-03-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/viacom-newfronts-pluto-tv-channels-originals-slate-1203200042/|title=Viacom Launching 14 Free Channels on Pluto TV, Sets Broad Digital Originals Slate|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=2019-04-29|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2019-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://digiday.com/media/viacom-will-debut-15-channels-pluto-tv-bolster-upfront-pitch/|title=Viacom will debut 15 channels on Pluto TV to bolster its upfront pitch|first=Tim|last=Peterson|date=16 April 2019|access-date=29 April 2019}}</ref>

=== Reintroduction and re-merger with CBS (2019–2024) ===
In August 2019, Viacom announced that it would [[2019 merger of CBS and Viacom|merge with CBS Corporation]], reuniting the two entities under the [[Paramount Global|ViacomCBS]] name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cbs-viacom-strike-deal-recombine-1075545|title=CBS, Viacom Strike Deal to Recombine|publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=August 13, 2019|access-date=August 15, 2019|first1=George|last1=Szalai|first2=Paul|last2=Bond|first3=Etan|last3=Vlessing}}</ref><ref name="ViacomCBSOfficialPDF">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbscorporation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ViacomCBS-Press-Release-FINAL.pdf|title=CBS and Viacom To Combine|work=CBS|date=August 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813190148/https://www.cbscorporation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ViacomCBS-Press-Release-FINAL.pdf|archive-date=August 13, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> The merger closed on December 4, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/viacom-cbs-early-december-merger-1203386237/|title=Viacom, CBS Set to Merge in Early December|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=October 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8541228/viacom-cbs-merger-now-expected-to-close-in-early-december|title=Viacom-CBS Merger Now Expected to Close in 'Early December'|last=Weprin|first=Alex|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=October 29, 2019|access-date=October 29, 2019}}</ref> Announced on November 11, 2019, as part of the re–merger, the Media Networks division was renamed '''ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks''', and reorganized.

MTV, VH1, CMT and [[Logo TV|Logo]] were reorganized into the "Entertainment & Youth Group",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/11/viacomcbs-shakes-up-its-content-leadership-teams-following-merger/|title=ViacomCBS shakes up its content leadership teams following merger|website=TechCrunch|date=November 11, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-09}}</ref> with the addition of Comedy Central, Paramount Network, [[Smithsonian Channel]], and TV Land. BET Networks was merged with Showtime Networks under CEO [[David Nevins (television producer)|David Nevins]], who also temporarily gained oversight of [[Pop (American TV channel)|Pop TV]] (formerly co-owned with [[Lionsgate]]);<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191111005169/en/Viacom-CBS-Announce-Content-Digital-Leadership|title=Viacom and CBS Announce Content and Digital Leadership &#124; Business Wire}}</ref> Pop TV was transferred to the Entertainment & Youth Group on January 15, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/pop-tv-bellator-mma-viacomcbs-1203468564|title=ViacomCBS Shuffles Oversight of Pop TV, Bellator MMA Amid Post-Merger Restructuring (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|work=Variety|date=January 15, 2020}}</ref> 

On February 16, 2022, ViacomCBS was renamed as Paramount Global, and ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks was renamed '''Paramount Media Networks'''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2022-04-29 |title=Michael Fabiani Upped To SVP Communications, Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/michael-fabiani-promoted-svp-communications-paramount-media-networks-mtv-entertainment-studios-1235012916/ |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2022, MTV Entertainment Group partnered with Second Chance Studios to help formerly incarcerated individuals launch media careers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Studios |first=Second Chance |title=Second Chance Studios Graduates First Class of Formerly Incarcerated Fellows, Partnering with MTV Entertainment Group to Launch Media Careers |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/second-chance-studios-graduates-first-class-of-formerly-incarcerated-fellows-partnering-with-mtv-entertainment-group-to-launch-media-careers-301536721.html |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> On May 9, 2023, Paramount restructured its U.S. domestic network business.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/mtv-news-shuts-down-paramount-layoffs-showtime-networks-1235607638/|first=Jenniffer|last=Maas|date=2023-05-09|access-date=2023-05-18|title=Paramount Media Networks, Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios to Lay Off 25% of U.S. Staff as MTV News Shuts Down|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> 

Near the end of 2023, Paramount announced that the mobile apps for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, and Showtime would cease operations at on January 31, 2024. The reason was to encourage users to sign up for [[Paramount+]]. The Nickelodeon Group shut down [[Noggin (brand)|Noggin]] on July 2 of that same year for the same reason.

=== Paramount/Skydance merger (2024–present) ===
{{Main|Proposed merger of Skydance Media and Paramount Global}}
On April 29, 2024, President and CEO [[Bob Bakish]] was replaced by led by [[Brian Robbins]], George Cheeks, and [[Chris McCarthy (executive)|Chris McCarthy]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldsmith |first=Jill |date=2024-04-29 |title=It's Official: Bob Bakish Is Out At Paramount Global, Trio Of Division Heads Form New Office Of The CEO |url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/bob-bakish-leaving-paramount-global-division-heads-office-of-ceo-1235898125/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> This action was the result of Bakish's reported opposition of the Skydance deal.<ref name="LAAQQ">{{Cite web |last=James |first=Meg |date=July 3, 2024 |title=So the Paramount and Skydance deal is back on track. What happened and what's next? |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-07-03/paramount-and-skydance-deal-is-back-on-track-what-happened-and-whats-next |access-date=July 5, 2024 |website=[[The Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> McCarthy was legally designated the company's "interim principal executive officer" in order to comply with [[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|SEC]] regulations stipulating that one person must conduct "the normal course of business".<ref>{{cite web |last=Goldsmith |first=Jill |date=May 3, 2024 |title=Paramount Unveils Bob Bakish Exit Terms, Names Chris McCarthy 'Interim Principal Executive' For SEC Purposes |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/paramount-bob-bakish-exit-terms-chris-mccarthy-interim-principal-executive-1235904035/ |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]}}</ref>

By July 2, 2024, Skydance renegotiated the deal and reached a preliminary agreement to acquire National Amusements and merge with Paramount.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Mullin |first=Benjamin |last2=Hirsch |first2=Lauren |date=2024-07-02 |title=Paramount and Skydance Are Said to Reach a Deal to Merge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/02/business/media/paramount-skydance-merger-talks.html |access-date=2024-07-03 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The deal was referred by National Amusements to Paramount's special committee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rizzo |first=Lillian |date=July 2, 2024 |title=Skydance and National Amusements near Paramount deal as special committee reviews terms |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/skydance-national-amusements-paramount-deal-special-committee-reviews-rcna160084 |access-date=July 4, 2024 |publisher=[[NBC News]]}}</ref> Also, Paramount reportedly entered talks for a sale of the [[BET Media Group]] to buyers led by BET CEO [[Scott Mills (businessman)|Scott Mills]] for $1.6-$1.7 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=July 2, 2024 |title=Paramount Reportedly in Talks to Sell BET for $1.6 Billion in Buyout Led by CEO Scott Mills |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/paramount-bet-buyout-talks-scott-mills-1236059457/ |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=Variety}}</ref>

== Channels list ==
=== Current channels ===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Category
!Name
!Launch
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Paramount Media Networks#MTV Entertainment Group|MTV Entertainment Group]]
|-
! rowspan="6" |MTV Branded Television
|[[MTV]]
|August 1, 1981
|- 
|[[MTV2]]
|August 1, 1996
|-
|[[MTV Classic (United States)|MTV Classic]]
|August 1, 1998
|-
|[[MTV Live (TV network)|MTV Live]]
|January 16, 2006
|- 
|[[MTV Tres]]
|August 1, 1998
|- 
|[[MTVU]]
|January 20, 2004
|-
! rowspan="9" | General Entertainment Content
|[[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]]
|March 5, 1983
|-
|[[CMT Music]]
|August 1, 1998
|-
|[[Comedy Central]]
|April 1, 1991
|-
|[[Logo TV]]
|June 30, 2005
|- 
|[[Paramount Network]]
|March 7, 1983
|- 
|[[Pop (American TV channel)|Pop TV]]
|1981
|- 
|[[Smithsonian Channel]]
|September 26, 2007
|- 
|[[TV Land]]
|April 29, 1996
|-
|[[VH1]]
|January 1, 1985
|- 
! colspan="4" | [[Nickelodeon Group]]
|-
! rowspan="7" |Kids and Family Group
|[[Nickelodeon]]
|April 1, 1979
|-
|[[Nick at Nite]]
|July 1, 1985
|-
|[[Nick Jr.]]
|January 4, 1988
|- 
|[[Nick Jr. Channel]]
| rowspan="2" |September 28, 2009
|- 
|[[TeenNick]]
|- 
|[[NickMusic]]
| rowspan="2" |May 1, 2002
|- 
|[[Nicktoons (American TV channel)|Nicktoons]] 
|-
! colspan="4" |[[Awesomeness (company)|AwesomenessTV]]
|-
! rowspan="3" |AwesomenessTV Holdings
|[[Awesomeness (company)#Awesomeness Films|Awesomeness Films]]
|June 23, 2015
|-
|[[Awesomeness (company)#Awesomeness Ink|Awesomeness Ink]]
|October 14, 2014
|-
|[[Awesomeness (company)#Awesomeness News|Awesomeness News]]
|2017
|}

=== Secondary channels owned by [[Showtime Networks]] ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Brand
!Name
!Launch date
|-
! rowspan="8" |[[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]
|Showtime
|July 1, 1976
|-
|Showtime 2
|October 1, 1991
|-
|Showtime Showcase
|1996
|-
|SHO×BET
|September 1999
|-
|Showtime Extreme
|March 10, 1998
|-
|Showtime Family Zone
|March 2001
|-
|Showtime Next
|March 2001
|-
|Showtime Women
|March 2001
|-
! rowspan="2" |[[The Movie Channel]]
|The Movie Channel
|April 1, 1973
|-
|The Movie Channel Xtra
|October 1, 1997
|-
![[Flix (TV network)|Flix]]
|Flix
|August 1, 1992
|}

=== Former channels ===
* [[Bravo (American TV network)|Bravo]]; sold to [[AMC Networks|Rainbow Media]] in 1984.
* [[Nickelodeon Games and Sports for Kids|Nick GAS]] (1999–2007)
* [[VH1 Uno]] (2000–08); became '''MTVU''', focusing on music videos aimed at college-aged students.
* [[Noggin (brand)|Noggin]] (1999–2009); replaced by the Nick Jr. channel in 2009.
* [[TEENick#As programming blocks (2001–2009)|TEENick]] (Nickelodeon block, 2001–09) and [[The N]] (Noggin block, 2002–07); merged to form [[TeenNick]].
* [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime Beyond]] (1999–2020), became '''SHO×BET''' in 2020.
* [[MTVX]], became MTV Jams in 2002, focusing on hip-hop music, and rebranded as BET Jams October 2015.
* [[VH1 MegaHits#VH1 MegaHits in the United States|VH1 MegaHits]], now [[Logo TV]]

=== Notes ===
{{notelist-lr}}

== Units ==
=== MTV Entertainment Group ===
{{Infobox company
| name = MTV Entertainment Group
| logo = [[File:MTV Entertainment Group.svg|frameless|class=skin-invert]]
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]]
| hq_location_city = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]]
| hq_location_country = U.S.
| key_people = Chris McCarthy ([[President (corporate title)|president]] and [[Chief executive officer|CEO]])
| brands = {{Flatlist|
* [[MTV]]
* [[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]]
* [[Comedy Central]]
* [[Logo TV]]
* [[Paramount Network]]
* [[Pop (American TV channel)|Pop]]
* [[Smithsonian Channel]]
* [[TV Land]]
* [[VH1]]
}}
| owner = 
| parent = Paramount Media Networks
| divisions = MTV Branded Television<br>General Entertainment Content
| subsid = {{Plainlist|
* [[MTV Entertainment Studios]]
}}
| website = {{URL|mtv.com}}
}}

MTV Entertainment Group serves as the holdings company for Paramount's mature-oriented, general entertainment brands; such as its namesake flagship [[MTV]], [[Comedy Central]], and [[Paramount Network]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Studios |first=MTV Entertainment |title=MTV Entertainment Studios unveils expansive lineup of 90+ new and returning series across Paramount Media Networks and Paramount+, including MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, CMT, Smithsonian Channel and Paramount Network |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mtv-entertainment-studios-unveils-expansive-lineup-of-90-new-and-returning-series-across-paramount-media-networks-and-paramount-including-mtv-comedy-central-vh1-cmt-smithsonian-channel-and-paramount-network-301550466.html |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> It oversees the [[MTV Entertainment Studios]], which itself owns [[MTV Animation]]. It operates two divisions: MTV Branded Television (MTV-related channels) & General Entertainment Content (non-MTV-related channels).

====MTV Branded Television:====
* [[MTV]]
** [[MTV2]]
** [[MTV Classic (American TV channel)|MTV Classic]]
** [[MTV Live (TV network)|MTV Live]]
** [[MTVU]]
** [[MTV Tres]]

====General Entertainment Content:====
* [[Comedy Central]]
** [[South Park Digital Studios]] (joint venture with [[Trey Parker]] & [[Matt Stone]]'s South Park Studios)
* [[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]]
** [[CMT (Canadian TV channel)|CMT Canada]] (10% with [[Corus Entertainment]], who fully owns [[Nickelodeon (Canadian TV channel)|Nickelodeon's Canadian version]])
** [[CMT Music]]
* [[Logo TV]]
* [[Paramount Network]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=2020-09-22 |title=Paramount Network Rebrands, Doubles Down on Movies and Minis (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/paramount-network-made-for-tv-movies-1234711671/ |access-date=2021-12-14 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=2022-01-24 |title=Paramount Movie Network Put On Ice As ViacomCBS Nixes Rebrand Plans For 'Yellowstone' Network |url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/paramount-movie-network-put-on-ice-as-viacomcbs-nixes-rebrand-plans-1234917830/ |access-date=2022-01-24 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Pop (American TV channel)|Pop]]<ref name="DlEnt&Youth">{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=January 16, 2020 |title=Sarah Babineau & Keith Cox Promoted To Top Creative Posts At ViacomCBS' Entertainment & Youth Unit, Jonas Larsen Exits |url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/sarah-babineau-keith-cox-promoted-to-top-creative-posts-at-viacomcbs-entertainment-youth-unit-jonas-larsen-exits-1202832642/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116225950/https://deadline.com/2020/01/sarah-babineau-keith-cox-promoted-to-top-creative-posts-at-viacomcbs-entertainment-youth-unit-jonas-larsen-exits-1202832642/ |archive-date=January 16, 2020 |access-date=January 16, 2020 |publisher=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
* [[TV Land]]
* [[VH1]]
* [[Smithsonian Channel]]
** [[Smithsonian Channel (Canada)|Canada]] (6.67% minority stake; joint venture with [[Blue Ant Media]])

=== Showtime Networks ===
[[Showtime Networks]] oversees the company's premium networks, which include its [[Showtime (TV network)|flagship service]], [[The Movie Channel]], and [[Flix (TV network)|Flix]].

* [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]
** Showtime 2
** Showtime Showcase
** SHO×BET
** Showtime Extreme
** Showtime Family Zone
** Showtime Next
** Showtime Women
* [[The Movie Channel]]
** The Movie Channel Xtra
* [[Flix (TV network)|Flix]]

=== Nickelodeon Group ===
The [[Nickelodeon Group]] (also known as "Nickelodeon Networks Inc."; and as its family distribution name "Paramount Kids and Family Group") is an American entertainment company that oversees Paramount's children's entertainment assets, including its [[Nickelodeon|namesake cable network]] and [[Nickelodeon Animation Studio]].

* [[Nickelodeon]]
** [[Nick at Nite]]
** [[Nick Jr.]]
* [[Nick Jr. Channel]]
* [[Nicktoons (American TV channel)|Nicktoons]]
* [[TeenNick]]
* [[NickMusic]]

== Other assets ==
Through its Networks division, Paramount also owns internet properties, such as [[MTV News]] and [[AwesomenessTV]]. 

=== Former assets ===
The company has owned various other internet properties including virtual pets website [[Neopets]]; [[Adobe Flash Player|Flash]] game websites AddictingGames.com and [[Shockwave (game portal)|Shockwave.com]]; online content production company [[Atom.com|Atom Entertainment]]; along with [[RateMyProfessors.com]], [[GameTrailers]], and [[iFilm]], all of which have been shut down or sold off during 2000s and 2010s.
[[File: Manhattan New York City 2008 PD 44.JPG|thumb|right|New York headquarters]]

During the first quarter of 2008, [[iFilm]] was merged into [[Paramount Network#Spike (2003–2018)|Spike]] with its website re–branded and re–purposed as [[Spike.com]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Andrew Hampp|url=https://adage.com/article/digital/considered-a-youtube-rival-mtv-ifilm/120354/|title=Once Considered a YouTube Rival, MTV Does Away With IFilm.com|publisher=AdAge|date=11 September 2007|access-date=18 February 2012}}</ref>

In 2014, [[Viacom (2005–2019)|Viacom]] purchased a stake in [[multi-channel network]] [[Defy Media]], while offloading [[GameTrailers]], Addicting Games, and [[Shockwave (game portal)|Shockwave]] to Defy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.recode.net/2014/6/9/11627746/viacom-makes-a-web-video-bet-and-grabs-a-piece-of-defy-media|title=Viacom Makes a Web Video Bet, and Grabs a Piece of Defy Media|last=Kafka|first=Peter|date=June 9, 2014|work=Recode|access-date=November 21, 2018}}</ref>

==== Harmonix and gaming ====
{{main|Harmonix}}
In 2006, Viacom acquired [[Harmonix]], a video game studio oriented towards [[music video game]]s and the original developer of the ''[[Guitar Hero]]'' franchise, for $175 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/mtv-acquires-harmonix-for-usd-175-million|title=MTV acquires Harmonix for USD $175 million|work=GamesIndustry.biz|access-date=2017-10-09|language=en}}</ref> The two subsequently collaborated on the creation of ''[[Rock Band (video game)|Rock Band]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/gaming/gamingreviews/magazine/15-10/mf_harmonix_sb| title=A Glimpse Into Harmonix's Punk-Rock Design Process|publisher=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|first=Chris|last=Kohler|date=September 14, 2007|access-date=2008-07-24}}</ref> That year, Viacom also acquired the gaming–oriented communications platform [[Xfire]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/viacom-to-acquire-xfire/1100-6148208/|title=Viacom to acquire Xfire|date=2006-04-24|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2017-10-09}}</ref>

In 2010, Harmonix was divested to an investment firm to become an independent studio,<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2010/dec/24/rock-band-developer-sold-by-viacom | title = Viacom sells Rock Band game studio | first = Josh | last = Halliday | work = [[The Guardian]] | date = 24 December 2010 | access-date = 24 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/12/23/-viacom-sells-harmonix-to-columbus-nova.aspx | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101226065644/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/12/23/-viacom-sells-harmonix-to-columbus-nova.aspx | url-status = live | archive-date = December 26, 2010 | title = Viacom Sells Harmonix To Columbus Nova | first = Meagan | last = Marie | date =23 December 2010 | access-date = 23 December 2010 | magazine = [[Game Informer]] }}</ref> and Xfire was sold.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/08/02/exclusive-titan-gaming-takes-xfire-off-viacoms-hands/|title=Exclusive: Titan Gaming Takes Xfire Off Viacom's Hands|last=Wauters|first=Robin|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2017-10-09|language=en}}</ref>

In 2011, Viacom established a short–lived, in–house development studio known as 345 Games, which was dedicated primarily to developing games based on Comedy Central, MTV and Spike properties.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mtv-networks-group-launches-345-176160|title=MTV Networks Group Launches 345 Games|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2017-10-09|language=en}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Paramount Media Networks}}
{{Paramount Global}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Paramount Media Networks| ]]
[[Category:Mass media companies established in 1977]]
[[Category:Cable network groups in the United States]]
[[Category:Television broadcasting companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Paramount Global divisions|Domestic Media Networks]]
[[Category:Former Warner Communications subsidiaries]]
[[Category:Peabody Award winners]]
[[Category:Companies based in New York City]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1977]]
[[Category:1986 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:Former joint ventures]]