Nickelodeon has hired Disney Channels Worldwide vet Paul DeBenedittis as Executive Vice President, Programming & Content Strategy, tasked with leading strategies, partnerships, acquisitions and media planning for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nicktoons and TeenNick across linear, digital, apps, VOD, DTO and wireless platforms. DeBenedittis will also work with Nick channels worldwide out of his homebase at the network’s Burbank studio.
DeBenedittis replaces Elizabeth Murray in the role.
“Paul has extensive expertise in programming and leading content strategies that reach and resonate with youth audiences,” said Nickelodeon President Brian Robbins, to whom DeBenedittis will report. “He’s one of the most dynamic executives in the kids and family space, and we’re happy to have him on board as we forge a new Nickelodeon for today’s audience.”
DeBenedittis was most recently SVP Programming Strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide. His responsibilities included programming across their TV and digital portfolio, working with franchise properties such as The Descendants, Camp Rock, Star Wars Rebels and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. He also oversaw the Disney Channel Worldwide Programming Strategy team.
Prior to Disney, DeBenedittis spent 10 years at MTV as EVP Multiplatform Programming, Content Strategy & Scheduling. DeBenedittis led the programming strategy and content windowing for hit series and events including Laguna Beach, Jackass, The Osbournes, The Real World, TRL, The MTV Video Music Awards and The MTV Movie Awards. He was also responsible for curating various programming destinations, including MTV’s primetime originals block, The 10 Spot, and the channel’s weekday afternoon and weekend slates. Earlier, he was Director of Programming, Acquisitions & Scheduling at USA Networks and Lifetime Television.
