Re-Up Follows Creative and Ratings Resurgence for CMT’s Music Specials and Events
NASHVILLE –– CMT has renewed its production deal with Emmy Award-winning CMT veteran producer John Hamlin’s Switched On Entertainment, it was announced today by CMT General Manager Frank Tanki.
As part of the multi-year production deal, Hamlin will continue to 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,” with the option to develop new events and specials.
The deal follows renewed ratings growth and critical acclaim due in part to a creative refresh featuring current and genre-bending artist pairings and pro-social elements. In October, “CMT Artists of the Year” notched its highest rating to date and now ranks as one of the fastest growing award shows, while “CMT Crossroads” recently garnered its highest ratings in five years. CMT’s biggest night of the year, “CMT Music Awards,” returns live from Nashville on Wednesday, June 6 at 8pm ET/PT. The network is in the middle of a winning streak, earning its highest-rated quarter since 2014 and notching its fifth consecutive quarter of year-over-year ratings growth.
“John’s critical eye as a producer, deep relationships within the artist community and boundless affection for our brand has elevated our revered music series and specials to new critical and ratings highs,” said Frank Tanki, General Manager of CMT and TV Land. “We are thankful they remain in his capable hands.”
Prior to forming Switched On Entertainment, Hamlin 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. He is represented by WME.