The cuts keep coming for CMT and other Paramount-owned properties.
Friday, Bruce Gillmer, who is President, Music, Music Talent, Programming and Events, Media Networks and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+, sent a note to the company’s staff stating that certain events, including the CMT Music Awards, wouldn’t happen in 2025.
CMT Awards Among Multiple “Paused” Award Shows
The Hollywood Reporter got a copy of the internal memo, which read: We are pausing a few events for 2025 as we look to reimagine and optimize our events slate going forward. These include the MTV EMAs, MTV MIAWs, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in Mexico, and CMT Music Awards.
The pause does not impact the entertainment company’s popular VMAs or the Kids’ Choice Awards in the U.S.
The news comes as the company is amid a merger with David Ellison’s Skydance Media. Last year, CMT’s parent company made deep staffing cuts, including eliminating the editorial online staff and the network’s popular figurehead, Leslie Fram. Fram was Senior Vice President of Music Strategy & Talent.
Following her departure, Fram shared a letter with Billboard that she had written to her coworkers saying that she was “cheering on those who remain and those who have left—only great things ahead. With the ever-changing media landscape, let’s remember to take care of each other! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
On a larger scale, in August, Paramount Global Office CEOs George Cheeks, Brian Robbins, and Chris McCarthy unveiled plans to cut 15 percent of the company’s U.S. workforce, trying to save $500 million. Three rounds of layoffs followed along with the closure of Paramount TV Studios.
Read the full memo on the pausing of select Paramount events below.
Videos by American Songwriter
Paramount Company Memo as Obtained by Hollywood Reporter
Team,
We want to share some news. We are pausing a few events for 2025, as we look to reimagine and optimize our events slate going forward. These include the MTV EMAs, MTV MIAWs, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in Mexico, and CMT Music Awards.
Our world-class events remain a key component of Paramount’s music offering as we continue to raise the bar in delivering iconic, unforgettable performances and moments that drive pop culture. We have the best team in the business, and we are grateful for your hard work and dedication in bringing these events to life.
Thank you,
Bruce
President, Music, Music Talent, Programming and Events, Media Networks and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMT)
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