Tom Freston

Beginning as director of marketing for MTV in 1980, Freston made it to vice presidential status in that division after three years. In 1987, with experience at The Movie Channel and VH-1 as well as time as general manager of MTV behind him, he became president and CEO of the latter. Soon thereafter, Freston helped MTV recover from the leveling off after the network's initial ratings bonanza in the early 80s. Freston has since nurtured the success of the MTV-owned Nick at Nite as well as the expansion of both the network's programming (including game shows and in-depth interviews) and its overseas interests.