Drexel, Wharton Grad Tapped As President Of 4 More TV Networks

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia-area native and Wharton and Drexel graduate is expanding his role in the TV world after being named president of four networks.

Chris McCarthy, a Levittown native with degrees from Penn and Drexel, has been chosen to be the president of Comedy Central, Paramount Network, Smithsonian Channel and TV Land.

His specific role is President of Entertainment & Youth Brands for ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks.

McCarthy already serves as president of MTV, VH1, CMT and Logo.

McCarthy joined Viacom in 2004 as a freelancer and rose up the ranks holding various positions of responsibility from marketing, strategy, operations and development, Viacom said.

After being named President of MTV in October 2016, McCarthy quickly returned the brand to No. 1 with young audiences, reaching more people across cable, social, streaming and events than any other brand, according to Viacom.

Before joining MTV, McCarthy led VH1’s reinvention driving it to record growth, Viacom said.

McCarthy credits his success to strong leaders and collaborative teams who embrace a culture of
“creativity drives everything we do."

The recipient of multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody, McCarthy earned an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Commerce and Engineering from Drexel University.