MTVN's Hirschhorn Steps Down

Jason Hirschhorn, the longtime guiding light of MTV Networks’ digital media strategy and for the past six months its chief digital officer, will soon depart the Viacom company.

He is replaced on an interim basis by Nick Lehman, EVP of MTVN Digital, who will now report to CEO Judy McGrath. A spokesperson declined to say whether the company would undertake a full-scale search for a replacement.

“Jason’s job was to make all of our brands live and breathe digital,” said the company representative. “He feels, and we agree, that’s done.”

Hirschhorn came up through the ranks of MTV’s original digital music play, Sonicnet.com, and went on to control VH1.com and CMT.com before taking over as SVP of digital music and media for all MTVN’s cable and comedy channels. He originally joined the company with the acquisition of Mischief New Media, which he founded. During his tenure, MTV acquired or launched numerous digital properties, including iFilm, Xfire and Overdrive.

MTVN said Hirschhorn will take some time off before dipping back into “the entrepreneurial game.”

“Jason… has been a driving force during the transformation of MTV Networks from a linear cable programming company to a digital, multi-platform powerhouse,” Chairman and CEO McGrath said in a a statement. “He has helped us establish a strong leadership position in the digital media revolution — from the Web to broadband video to wireless entertainment.”