CBS Entertainment has chosen Mitch Graham as vice president, alternative programming, a move that sees him transitioning from CBS’s publicity department to its programming end.
Graham’s move to programming comes amid a period of change in the reality landscape for the networks. Most recently, ABC’s executive vice president, alternative series & late-night programming, John Saade, stepped down from his position, with former E! executive Lisa Berger being eyed to replace him.
Earlier this year, Fox’s Mike Darnell and CBS’s Jennifer Bresnan departed their high-profile positions in those networks’ reality-programming arms. Chris Castallo, to whom Graham will report, replaced Bresnan last month.
Previously, Graham was director, publicity, CBS Communications, where he had served as publicist for reality offerings such as “The Amazing Race,” “Undercover Boss” and “Big Brother.” He also recently spearheaded the publicity campaign for the scripted summer hit “Under the Dome.”
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In his new capacity, Graham will oversee the network’s reality franchises, which include “Survivor,” “The Amazing Race,” “Big Brother” and “Undercover Boss.” He’ll also participate in development of new unscripted programming, including reality and game shows.
“As a publicist who has long and deep roots in all of our franchises, there wasn’t a more valuable candidate than Mitch,” said CBS Entertainment executive vice president, alternative programming Castallo. “As our go-to guy for many years, his established relationships with our producers will be invaluable going forward.”