MTV veteran Bill Roedy to step down after 22 years

The MTV chairman and chief executive, Bill Roedy, the man responsible for launching the music channel internationally more than 20 years ago, is to leave the Viacom-owned business at the end of the year. Roedy, who oversaw the international expansion of the channel including the launch of MTV Europe in 1989, will step down after a 22-year career with the company. "Under his watch we have rolled out hundreds of channels around the world, each with its own local flavour, its own character and its own challenges," said Philippe Dauman, the Viacom president and chief executive, in a memo to staff. "Bill has criss-crossed the planet, planting our flag on nearly every continent and spreading the gospel of quality, audience-first programming from Beijing, to Bangalore, to Buenos Aires and everywhere in between." • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".