MTV announces new shows

from variety

MTV meets the press
Journos vie for top spot on reality skein
By DENISE MARTIN

Hecubus...

Man, I am getting old. I seem to remember back to a day when MTV was
actually about MUSIC, instead of publishing, reality shows, car and

David...

I feel like I'm getting old because this is the millionth time I've
heard this complaint. Isn't it time to get over it, people?

lifestyle shows.

Oh, and I had to walk 10 miles to school uphill both ways in hip deep snow
365 days a year, in case you were wondering.

MTV has given the thumbs up to an "Apprentice"-style skein in which
aspiring journos vie for a chance at a staff position at Rolling Stone
magazine.

Rumors surrounding the untitled project had surfaced in recent months,
and MTV made the news of a series commitment official Wednesday.

Music net also announced greenlights for a pair of reality series and
said this year's "Video Music Awards" would be returning to New York
City.

Untitled Rolling Stone project will pit writers against one another in
a three-month competition, in which they'll cover a range of
assignments with the help of the pub's top editors in hopes of
clinching a job.

Production begins this summer for a premiere later this year.

"Throughout our history, we have seen the careers of some of the
nation's most notable journalists flourish, including Cameron Crowe
and the late Hunter S. Thompson," Rolling Stone founder-publisher Jann
Wenner said. "We are anxious to meet the candidates and welcome them
into the Rolling Stone family as they embark on their professional
careers."

Elsewhere, MTV has committed to eight episodes each of "Blowin' Up"
and "Fast Incorporated," slated to premiere in the third and fourth
quarters, respectively.

"Blowin' Up" follows Jamie Kennedy and sidekick Stu Stone as they try
to break into the hip-hop music biz by hounding record label execs.
"Fast" is a car show in which a team of "car hunters" field celeb
requests for the finest in vintage and muscle cars.

Kennedy and Stone exec produce "Blowin' Up." George Verschoor is the
showrunner. Pamela Kohl, Michael Rotenberg and Rod Aissa also exec
produce. Christy Spitzer developed "Fast." Tony DiSanto, Liz Gately
and Rico Martinez exec produce.

As for the "VMAs," kudocast will air live Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. from Radio
City Music Hall. The previous two editions took place in Miami.

Event also will be telecast on sister net MTV2, college web mtvU, mtvU
Uber, MTV.com and broadband channel Overdrive.