CMT PICKS PATAT

Kurt Patat has been dubbed SVP/Head of Communications for CMT, announced prexy Brian Philips, to whom he'll report. Philips dubbed Patat "the right person for CMT's busiest era ever."

He'll oversee all media relations and internal communcations and manage the publicity teams for the Country network's Nashville and West Coast offices. He'll also oversee strategies for other brand entities, including Viacom Kids and Family Group; in the latter capacity he'll report to Kids and Family EVP Dan Martinsen.

Viacom vet Patat previously served as VP Communications at MTV. In his new role he'll be dividing his time between the Santa Monica and Nashville offices, and will practice knowing when to say "Yee-haw, who's drinkin'?" and when to say "Omigod, these kale chips are yummers."