Changes to MTV Programming Team

NEW YORK: MTV’s David Janollari has been given the expanded role of executive VP and head of programming, while Chris Linn is to become the executive VP of programming and head of MTV Production.

Janollari will oversee the scripted, comedy, animation and West Coast reality teams. He will also partner with Linn on East Coast reality development and on potential TV movies that could serve as back-door pilots for series. Linn will further manage made-for-TV movies, news and specials, studio productions, music development and production management. Janollari joined MTV in January 2010 as head of scripted development, working closely on the upcoming MTV series Skins. Linn is a 20-year veteran of MTV Networks, responsible for managing the smash-hit The Jersey Shore. Janollari will continue to be based in the Santa Monica office and have a dual report to Van Toffler, the president of MTV Networks Music & Logo Group, and Stephen Friedman, the general manager of MTV. Linn will continue to be based at MTV Networks New York headquarters and has a dual report into Toffler and Friedman.

"MTV produces more content than anyone else in television," said Toffler. "With David’s professional pedigree and track record in TV entertainment combined with Chris’ creative instinct and production prowess, they are the perfect team to continue our momentum and help take MTV into its next wave of reinvention."

Added Friedman, "As we continue to expand our development and programming slates to satiate our audience’s voracious appetite for different kinds of entertainment, David, Chris and their stellar teams will ensure we keep pioneering new creative that builds on MTV’s legacy."