MTV Entertainment Taps New Head of Smithsonian Channel

ViacomCBS’ MTV Entertainment Group has named PBS NewsHour producer James F. Blue III as senior VP and head of Smithsonian Channel.

In his new role, Blue will lead, expand and diversify Smithsonian Channel’s content offerings. His oversight will also include content creation and all related experiential and event programming. Further, he will oversee all factual unscripted content for MTV Entertainment’s portfolio of brands.

Blue will report to Chris McCarthy, president of MTV Entertainment Group, and Nina L. Diaz, president of content and chief creative officer.

Most recently, Blue served as the special projects and senior producer of ​PBS​ NewsHour​.​ During the 2012 election cycle, Blue was an executive producer for BET Networks’ political broadcasts. From 2006 to 2009, he served as a producer in the Koppel Group at the Discovery Channel. He worked the preceding 14 years as a producer for ABC News (including nine years at Nightline) and NBC News.

Blue said: “MTV Entertainment has an extraordinarily talented team, and I am thrilled to be joining them. I look forward to leveraging my expertise and experience to help shape and implement MTV Entertainment’s strategic vision for Smithsonian and other news, factual and nonfiction content across, and even beyond, the Group’s platforms.”

McCarthy said: “Smithsonian is a world-class brand rich with treasures from our shared American experience. James is an exceptionally talented executive and incredible storyteller who will bring those iconic treasures and experiences to life across all of our platforms.”

Diaz said: “James’ illustrious storytelling skills make him the perfect fit to lead this next chapter of the Smithsonian Channel. With endless material to unleash, I can’t wait to see his unique vision for this storied brand come to life.”