Philips
Viacom has upped Brian Philips to exec VP-general manager of country music cable net CMT.
He will continue to report to MTV Networks Music/Logo/Films Group president Van Toffler.
Philips, who joined the cabler as senior VP-G.M. in 2001, will continue to oversee CMT's day-to-day business as well as all programming, production, talent relations, marketing and promotional strategies.
Exec spearheaded the launch of CMT original programming, which includes top-rated performance series "CMT Crossroads," weekly entertainment newsmag "CMT Insider" and awards show "The CMT Music Awards." Available in 77 million homes, cabler just celebrated its most-watched year and month (February) ever in the 18-49 demographic.
Before joining CMT, Philips was a radio man, programming stations in multiple genres across the country. He's been nominated for Billboard's Major Market PD of the Year award in three formats: top 40, album rock and alternative. He's a member of the board of directors of the Country Music Assn. and the TJ Martell Foundation.
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