MTV Veteran Chris Linn Brought in to TruTV as President, Head of Programming

Linn's MTV projects include "Jersey Shore" and "Ke$ha: My Crazy Beautiful Life"

The man who helped bring "Jersey Shore" to the world will now be handling programming for TruTV.

Chris Linn, formerly MTV's executive vice president of programming and head of production, has been named president, head of programming for TruTV, Turner Broadcasting said Tuesday. Linn will be responsible for all of the programming at the network, including the development and production of new shows.

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During his run at MTV, which began in 2004, Linn helped develop and oversee production on the smash reality series "Jersey Shore," along with its spinoff "Snooki & JWoww."

Linn was also involved in the development of MTV's "Catfish," and launched the unscripted venture "Ke$ha: My Crazy Beautiful Life."

“Chris brings to TruTV a remarkable track record of success highlighted by some of the most pop-culturally relevant and engaging series on television," said Turner Entertainment Networks president Steve Koonin, Linn's new boss. "With his proven ability to reach and understand the young-adult audience, Chris has successfully developed shows that evolve beyond the television screen to become full-fledged phenomena."

Prior to MTV, Linn worked at Nickelodeon and Spike TV.

MTV, meanwhile, has promoted Lauren Dolgen to head of west coast reality programming, executive vice president of series development. In her expanded capacity, Dolgen — previously head of west coast reality, SVP series development — will "oversee the strategic creation and development of all of the network's west coast based reality television slate," which currently includes "Teen Mom 2" and "Ridiculousness."

Kimberly Rach and Andrew Portnoy will also co-head production for MTV, with Portnoy working from New York and Rach working from Santa Monica, Calif.

In announcing the promotions, MTV president of programming Susanne Daniels acknowledged Linn's "great skill" in executing his duties at the network.

“Chris Linn did an extraordinary job overseeing so many shows and intricate productions at MTV and he will truly be missed," Daniels said. "He managed the volume with great skill, the challenges with poise and always led with a passionate voice and perspective … He’s a magnificent executive and we wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.”

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