John Hamlin joins CMT

Emmy Award-winning producer John Hamlin has joined CMT as Senior Vice President, Production and Development, it was announced today by Bob Kusbit, head of development, CMT. Based in Nashville and reporting to Kusbit, Hamlin will oversee all Nashville television production and development, including series, events and music production. He will begin his post at CMT in late July.
Hamlin brings more than 25 years of television experience to the position, including 15 years as a producer for CBS News’ award-winning show, “60 Minutes,” where he was responsible for both editorial and production content with journalists Mike Wallace, Ed Bradley, Steve Kroft, Bob Simon and Anderson Cooper. Infusing his passion for music with his producing duties, Hamlin has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including U2, Madonna, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, the Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Gretchen Wilson, Willie Nelson and Sting, among others.
CMT Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Philips states: "John is a terrific addition to the CMT/MTVN family. His years of experience on one of TV's finest and most credible shows, combined with his enduring relationships within the music industry, will serve us well as we continue to expand our original programming."
Kusbit adds: “Luring John away from Mike Wallace and the gang took a little finesse and a lot of luck, and I’m proud to welcome him to Nashville and CMT. He’ll oversee a fantastic team and some of the network’s top properties, such as the “CMT Music Awards,” “Top 20 Countdown,” “Crossroads,” “CMT Insider” and any and all series originating from Nashville.”
Hamlin adds: “Everyone at MTV Networks have made it very clear to me that they are passionately committed to the future of CMT—and for good reason: Country music is one of the great American art forms, providing the soundtrack to the lives most of us live. The chance to combine my love of both music and television in one job is incredibly exciting. On top of that, I get to live in one of America’s best cities. It all adds up to an opportunity I am thrilled to have.”
Hamlin has worked on hundreds of live concerts around the world, and his previous experience includes posts at CBS Sports, NBC Sports and ESPN, where he has worked a number of high-profile sporting events, including multiple Olympics, World Series, Super Bowls and NBA Finals. Hamlin has received five national Emmy nominations and two wins, and is a recipient of the esteemed Edward R. Murrow awards for news writing from the Radio-Television News Directors Association.

CMT, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and Heartland entertainment, reaching more than 84 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT’s broadband channel, CMT Loaded.