Former MTV CEO Judy McGrath Joins Amazon’s Board

Amazon is eager to compete with Netflix

Judy McGrath, Amazon

Amazon has elected former MTV CEO Judy McGrath to its board of directors, another reminder of the company’s growing interest in video production and distribution. McGrath worked at MTV for 30 years, rising from copywriter to chairman of not just MTV but a division that included VH1, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon. She stepped down in 2011.

McGrath has since teamed with Sony Music to establish Astronauts Wanted, a joint venture producing video and other media for the same demographic that once swore by MTV. The company is producing the second season of “@Summer Break,” a reality show only available for viewing through social media platforms.

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Amazon has pledged to invest $100 million in original video, a growing part of its Amazon Prime delivery service. People who subscribe to Prime, which offers free two-day shipping, also get access to Amazon Instant Video.

McGrath will also serve on Amazon’s leadership development and compensation committee.

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