Viacom Names Sony Executive Jonathan Dolgen to Lead Entertainment Operations

Strategic Insights -

Viacom Inc. has appointed Jonathan Dolgen, a seasoned executive from Sony Pictures, to head the entertainment operations of the newly merged Viacom-Paramount. This move marks a significant development in the merged entity's formation, with Dolgen overseeing Paramount's movie and television operations, as well as Viacom's TV operations. Dolgen's appointment is seen as a major blow to Sony Corp., which has struggled with management turnover in recent years, particularly in its movie business.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jonathan Dolgen, a 47-year-old executive from Sony Pictures, has been appointed to head the entertainment operations of Viacom-Paramount.
  • Dolgen will supervise Paramount's movie and television operations, as well as Viacom's TV operations, and will report directly to Frank Biondi Jr., chief executive officer of Viacom.
  • Sherry Lansing, head of Paramount's film operations, and Kerry McLuggage, chief of Paramount's TV operations, will report to Dolgen.
  • Dolgen's appointment is a significant blow to Sony Corp., which has experienced management turnover in recent years, particularly in its movie business.
  • Sony may be looking to sell a quarter of its movie business, following a string of failed big-budget films, including 'Blue Chips,' 'Addams Family Values,' 'Intersection,' and 'Wayne's World 2.'
  • Paramount's TV side has performed well in recent years, with hits including 'The Untouchables,' 'Arsenio Hall,' 'Hard Copy,' 'Entertainment Tonight,' and 'The Maury Povich Show.'
  • Dolgen had to be let out of his contract by Sony to take the Viacom post, amid reports of clashes with Sony executives, including Mark Canton, chairman of Columbia TriStar.

Statistics:

  • Jonathan Dolgen is 47 years old.
  • Dolgen will work directly under Frank Biondi Jr., chief executive officer of Viacom.
  • Paramount has released several big-budget films in recent years that fell short of expectations, including 'Blue Chips,' 'Addams Family Values,' 'Intersection,' and 'Wayne's World 2.'
  • Paramount's latest release, 'Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult,' is expected to perform well.

Sources:

  • "Viacom Names Jonathan Dolgen to Head Entertainment Operations," New York March 17, 1994

("Viacom Names Jonathan Dolgen", CNN, March 17, 1994, no source date)