Paramount Net hires unscripted head

US cablenet Paramount Network has brought in a former MTV and Viceland executive from Buzzfeed to lead its unscripted development.

Lauren Dolgen

Lauren Dolgen, whose credits include Teen Mom and 16 & Pregnant, is joining the Viacom-owned network as senior VP of unscripted development and production.

At Paramount, whose unscripted slate includes Bar Rescue, Ink Master and Lip Sync Battle, Dolgen will lead the unscripted team and oversee original productions.

She was most recently head of Buzzfeed Studios, leading efforts to build its portfolio with original development and content based on BuzzFeed’s IP.

Dolgen oversaw development of original productions for BuzzFeed partners across TV, SVoD and film, as well as the company’s growing slate of original digital series, which is the fastest-growing driver of revenue for the online media company.

Prior to that, Dolgen was head of West Coast development for US cablenet Viceland, the joint venture between Vice Media and A+E Networks, working on such shows as Hate Thy Neighbor.

Her move to Paramount represents a return to Viacom for the exec, who started her career with MTV and spent nearly 20 years with the network.

As well as 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom, Dolgen’s MTV credits include Rob & Big, Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory, Ridiculousness, The Real World, Parental Control, Are You The One?, Punk’d, America’s Best Dance Crew and Jackass.

Dolgen will start work on June 3 and will report to Keith Cox, president of development and production for Paramount Network and TV Land.