CMT has signed a new multi-year production deal with Emmy Award-winning CMT veteran producer John Hamlin’s newly formed Switched On Entertainment, it was announced today by CMT President Brian Philips. In addition, two of CMT’s senior executives, Jayson Dinsmore and Leslie Fram, will oversee new roles in the music, talent and event departments.
As part of the deal, Hamlin will executive produce CMT’s marquee music events including the “CMT Music Awards,” “CMT Artists of the Year,” and the long-running critically acclaimed, “CMT Crossroads.” Furthermore, he will develop new events and specials. Prior to forming Switched On Entertainment, he served as CMT’s Senior Vice President of Music Events and Talent overseeing all live music and event programming, talent booking and label relations for events and series.
“John has contributed a singular, indelibly-strong point of view to all of CMT’s best music franchises,” said Brian Philips. “Hamlin is an unparalleled producer, my trusted friend and co-conspirator. He brings new creative angles and ideas into the building every day. We celebrate and support the launch of John’s new entrepreneurial venture, and thankful our most noteworthy shows remain in his capable hands.”
In addition, two of CMT’s senior executives, Jayson Dinsmore and Leslie Fram, will oversee new roles in the music, talent and event departments. Having launched CMT’s most successful series in its history, Dinsmore, CMT’s Executive Vice President of Development, will now oversee production on all music series and events. Building upon her role as Senior Vice President of Music Strategy, Fram, who is credited for championing new avenues to showcase emerging artists, including the “Next Women of Country” campaign, will now oversee the network’s music talent department.
Brian Philips added, “These are easy and opportunistic organizational moves. Jayson Dinsmore, aside from his history as developer of CMT’s biggest hits ever, brings broadcast background with events and alternative programming at NBC. My longtime colleague Leslie Fram needs no introduction to anyone in Nashville music, nor to anyone in any sector of the industry. She has cultivated and nurtured music talent her entire brilliant career, and it feels right to bring this key CMT division under her proven leadership.”
About CMT
CMT, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 92 million homes in the U.S. CMT, CMT.com and CMTRadio offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and are the top resource for country music on demand. The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT App, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.
About Switched On Entertainment
Switched On Entertainment is a multi-faceted creative content production and artist management company. Based in Nashville and founded by award-winning producer John Hamlin, Switched On Entertainment specializes in live music, sports, documentaries and entertainment programming. Its current production clients include CMT and its signature live music events: “CMT Music Awards,” “Crossroads,” “Artists of the Year” and “Instant Jam.” The company’s artist management division includes Marc Scibilia and Hot Chelle Rae.
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