Paramount nets development boss

Viacom has named a president of development at Paramount Network, its soon-to-launch cablenet that will replace Spike.

Keith Cox will add responsibility for development at the fledgling channel to his current role as president of development and production at fellow Viacom-owned network TV Land.

The US media giant announced plans to rebrand Spike as Paramount Network this month. The new channel is due to launch in 2018.

Viacom has billed Paramount Network as a “premier general entertainment brand” that will feature original scripted and non-scripted programming alongside third-party programming, including comedies and dramas.

Cox’s appointment means Sharon Levy, executive VP of original series at Spike, is expected to depart the company after 11 years, according to US reports.

Cox joined Viacom in 2006 from The WB Television Network and was promoted to the role of president of production and development at TV Land last year.