BILL ROEDY is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, MTV Networks International (MTVNI). In this role he oversees all of MTV Networks’ growing international multimedia business operations for the brands: MTV: Music Television, Nickelodeon, VH1, VIVA, TMF: The Music Factory, Game One, Comedy Central and Paramount Comedy. Mr Roedy reports to Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks.
BUSINESS
Mr. Roedy, a dedicated music lover and internationalist, was the architect of MTV Networks International’s (MTVNI) successful localisation model, where commercial and artistic autonomy is devolved to individual channels. It was this pioneering strategy of respecting and reflecting audience diversity through creative and business freedom that led to MTV Networks’ rapid global expansion throughout Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

Under Mr. Roedy’s leadership, MTVNI has developed and launched more channels and networks than any other entertainment company. Starting with one channel in 1989, he and his team have built a global operation that now includes over 143 locally programmed and operated TV channels outside the US, distributed to a potential audience of 2 billion people in over 160 countries in 33 languages.

MTV Networks has evolved into a global network of brands that produces award-winning content across all digital platforms with over 50 mobile phone channels and more than 400 digital media properties throughout Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America and Latin America.

Among the company’s core assets, MTV is one of the Top 10 most recognised consumer brands in the world, and is one of the most valued media properties. MTV is a pop culture phenomenon and the #1 global music destination for youth on all platforms. Similarly, Nickelodeon is the most widely distributed kids’ network in the world and the only multimedia entertainment brand dedicated exclusively to them.

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

Through MTV International’s Staying Alive campaign and the Staying Alive Foundation Mr. Roedy leads the brand’s global efforts to promote HIV/AIDS education, fight complacency and lessen the stigma attached to the disease. The Staying Alive campaign has produced award-winning HIV/AIDS related documentaries, concerts, discussion programmes and public service announcements all of which are made available to broadcasters rights free and at no cost.

In 1998, Mr. Roedy was named Ambassador for UNAIDS (the joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS) because of his extensive travels and advocacy battling the disease. He has addressed the United Nations General Assembly on three occasions regarding the pandemic.

In April 2005, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan appointed Mr. Roedy as founding Chair of the Global Media AIDS Initiative (GMAI) Leadership Committee. The GMAI was launched in 2004 with 22 participants to galvanise media organisations to play a stronger role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Under Mr. Roedy’s chairmanship it has grown to 140 companies from 70 countries. Mr. Roedy also served as founding Member and Chair of the Global Business Coalition (GBC) on HIV/AIDS from 2000-2002.

 HONORS AND AWARDS

Mr. Roedy has received the following recognition for his business and pro-social leadership.

  • In May 2008 Doctors of the World honoured Mr. Roedy with the Health and Human Rights Leadership Award, in recognition of his extraordinary leadership in the cause of health and human rights.


  • In March 2008 Cable Positive, the cable industry’s AIDS action organisation honoured Mr. Roedy with the Joel A. Berger Award in recognition of his contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS.


  • In 2007 Beyoncé Knowles presented him with AmFAR’s Award of Courage.


  • In 2005 Mr Roedy was honoured by YouthAIDS, Family Health International and the Kaiser Family Foundation in recognition of his services to HIV and AIDS awareness.


  • In November 2004 Mr. Roedy accepted the International Emmy Founders Award at the 32nd International Emmy Awards, for revolutionising music on television and supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS around the world.


  • In 2003 Mr Roedy received the "Person of the Year" Trophy at Midem for his services to global music.


  • In 2002 US President Bill Clinton honoured him with the Award for Business Excellence for his outstanding contributions.


    •  BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION

    Mr. Roedy joined MTV Networks International in 1989 as the Chief Executive and Managing Director of MTV Europe. He was promoted to Chairman, MTV Networks Europe in 1994, and between 1994 and 2007 he also held the post of President, MTV Networks International (MTVNI). With a television career that spans over 28 years, his experience covers nearly every aspect of television operations. He began his television career at Home Box Office (HBO) in 1979, as Manager, National Accounts. Prior to joining MTV, he was Vice President for Affiliate Operations, West Coast, based in Los Angeles.

    Mr. Roedy is a Board Member of Doctors of the World, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the American School in London and the International Advisory Board of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He is Chairman of the Staying Alive Foundation, a registered charity that supports young people across the globe doing HIV prevention work at the grassroots level.

    Mr. Roedy holds an MBA from Harvard University and an undergraduate degree from West Point. He was a career officer in the US Army for nearly seven years, including Airborne, Ranger and decorated combat service, where he received the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He also served in Italy as commander of NATO Missile bases.

    Mr. Roedy resides in the UK and is both a British and US citizen. He is married and the father of four children.



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