Tom Freston

Tom Freston, former CEO of Viacom and a key player in the rise of MTV, shares insights from his memoir and his experiences navigating the media landscape. He discusses how legacy companies like Viacom misjudged YouTube's potential, contributing to MTV's decline. Freston draws parallels between YouTube's disruption and the current AI boom. He suggests that for MTV to revive, it needs fresh digital curation and highlights the importance of preserving music heritage. Finally, he reflects on the challenges facing today’s media giants and the creative loss due to industry consolidation.

Tom Freston, co-founder of MTV and former CEO of Viacom, shares fascinating stories from his extensive career and travels. He recounts overland travel to the Middle East in the '70s and how it shaped his worldview. Tom discusses the rise and fall of cable TV, the impact of celebrity culture at MTV, and even his controversial meeting with Fidel Castro. He reflects on the evolution of media, creativity in the face of corporate pressures, and shares favorite moments from MTV's Unplugged series.

Tom Fletcher, the UN's top aid official, shares harrowing eyewitness accounts from Darfur and highlights urgent humanitarian needs following mass killings. Singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan discusses her cathartic new album and the empowering legacy of Lilith Fair. Meanwhile, Tom Freston, co-founder of MTV, recounts the network's cultural impact and the evolution of media. The discussion touches on global apathy towards humanitarian crises and the changing landscape of music discovery and storytelling.

Tom Freston, a veteran media executive known for co-founding MTV and leading Viacom, shares wild stories from his eclectic career. He recounts how he left advertising for adventurous travels, including life in Afghanistan and a clothing business. Tom reveals the origins of MTV and its cultural impact, along with insights about founding Comedy Central. He also discusses the rise and fall of new media brands, his philanthropic work with the ONE Campaign, and the challenges of today’s AI landscape. Buckle up for a journey filled with curiosity and risk!

Tom Freston, a veteran media executive and co-founder of MTV, shares his remarkable journey from bartending in the Caribbean to leading Viacom. He reveals fascinating tales, like his unexpected sauna chat with Paul McCartney and David Bowie. Tom discusses the adventurous spirit that led him to build a clothing brand in India and work in Afghanistan. He also highlights how MTV's unique culture embraced risk-taking, birthed reality TV, and asserts that television can drive social change.