Top Viacom Ad Professional Out Over Alleged Kickbacks (Exclusive)

A senior Viacom advertising executive has left the organization following an analysis into accusations of the kickback plan including huge amount of money during a period of years.our editor recommendsEmmy Roundtable: TV Professionals Professionals in the Academy AwardsExecutives in the Academy awards John Fays was senior vice president at MTV Systems, managing direct-response advertising and compensated programming for Viacom's 17 ad-supported cable systems, including MTV, VH1, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon. Based on sources, Fays allegedly offered reduced advertising to particular direct-response retailers, whose wares frequently include skin-care items and DVD collections. But he allegedly searched for kickbacks in cash - sometimes shipped in briefcases. Viacom rejected comment. Arrived at on his mobile phone, Fays stated The Hollywood Reporter ought to be "very, carefulInch about confirming these accusations before he stuck. Fays, 40, became a member of MTVN in The month of january 2005, resulting in exactly what the trade magazine Response known as "an unparalleled surge" in direct-response revenue. Inside a 2007 profile, playboy reported that Fays had taken an energetic role marketing the significance of direct-response advertising towards the cable television business, working his in place at three leading cable-network families - Lifetime Systems, USA Systems and MTV Systems. He reported to Shaun Lucas, MTVN's mind of sales. A resource states that 15 several weeks ago, direct-response marketers representing $200 million in annual business with Viacom systems introduced these accusations towards the attention of company professionals. Around the start of September, this individual states, Viacom "locked lower each and every person's computer within the ad sales department." The organization then allegedly experienced staffers' e-mails and "snapped up BlackBerrys from individuals hands." A business analysis is stated to become ongoing. Viacom had $8.6 billion in global revenue in fiscal 2010. A business source states direct-response advertising makes up about under 10 % from the Viacom's ad revenue, though another source puts that number considerably greater. E-mail: Kim.Masters@thr.com Daniel.Burns@thr.com Twitter: @KimMasters @DanielNMiller Related Subjects Viacom