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MTV president Stephen Friedman quits; Discovery’s Sean Atkins steps in
MUMBAI: After a seven year stint, MTV president Stephen Friedman is stepping down from his post. The move comes in the wake of ratings drop that MTV’s parent company Viacom Inc. is witnessing on many of its channels.
Soon after Friedman announced his resignation, Viacom said that it had appointed Discovery Communications general manager and executive vice president of digital media and strategy Sean Atkins as MTV’s new president.
Atkins will be overseeing all creative and business operations for the youth entertainment brand and its sister networks, MTV2 and mtvU. He will report to Viacom Music and Entertainment Group president Doug Herzog.
MTV’s programming co-heads, executive vice president and head of scripted development Mina Lefevre and head of reality programming and executive vice president of series development Lauren Dolgen will report directly to Atkins.
“Sean is smart, creative, passionate, and remarkably energized about the sea change at hand in our industry. The strength of MTV lies in its ability to constantly reinvent, and Sean’s forward-thinking, versatile leadership will ensure our brand and business continue to evolve and deliver for our audience,” said Herzog.
With experience at Discovery, HBO, and Yahoo!, Atkins has held leadership positions across development, digital media, production, strategy, marketing, product development, and consumer products. He was a driving force behind Discovery’s 2012 acquisition of millennial-focused Revision3, among the first strategic acquisitions of a multi-channel network by a major media and entertainment company.
Prior to joining the digital media team, Atkins ran the West Coast for Discovery Studios, Discovery Communications’ full-service production studio that develops and produces original programming.
Atkins joined Discovery from HBO where, as senior vice president of digital media. Previously, he was head of programming and development at Yahoo! Entertainment. Before that he was acting-COO for Vulcan Programming. He served concurrently as executive vice president of A. Smith & Co, overseeing development and production for the company. Previously, Atkins also held positions with Warner Bros., Mediaconnex and Disney.
Meanwhile, in his parting note via an internal memo, Friedman said, “After 18 years, including seven at the helm of MTV, it reminds me of what originally inspired me to work here. When I was hired to create the pro-social department, I was told, ‘Your job will be to use MTV’s superpowers for good.’ While I had personally experienced the cultural power of MTV, it wasn’t until I started working here that I understood the true power behind the brand. Those ‘superpowers’ originate with you. Each of you brings your own calling, your own desire to take risks and make new history.”
Speaking about his next move, he added, “Having been blessed to work with you and be part of this remarkable brand for the better part of my career, I am leaving to return full time to what tempts my soul to rise. My next adventure will be focused full time on giving back, on social impact, and on applying what I’ve learned from MTV about the power of brands and storytelling to create positive change. What MTV understood at its inception, a growing part of the world is now actively pursuing. We’re in the midst of a boom of mission driven companies that are redefining business while tackling some of the biggest social challenges we face.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
