Paramount Comms Executive Liza Burnett Fefferman Stepping Down
Liza Burnett Fefferman, head of communications at Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks and the co-head of MTV Documentary Films, is stepping down from her post, she announced in an internal memo to staff Wednesday afternoon.
The news comes days after the FCC finally approved the Paramount-Skydance merger and one day ahead of David Ellison’s first public address as the company’s new chief executive. Fefferman joined the company to run comms for VH1 and Logo in 2016. A respected and seasoned public relations strategist, she grew her portfolio over nine years to include MTV, CMT, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, Smithsonian Channel, TV Land and Showtime. Fefferman’s tenure at Paramount included awards season campaigns for tentpole programs like Yellowstone and The Daily Show. She also led the publicity teams for the MTV Video Music Awards, which are scheduled to take place on Sept. 7.
“Grateful doesn’t even begin to cut it,” Fefferman wrote in the memo Wednesday. “In 2016, I came to Viacom to run Communications for Logo and VH1 joining a small but mighty group who consistently outpunched their weight. Nearly a decade later, our remit has substantially grown but that same hustle, impeccable work ethic and results-oriented commitment, remain steadfast. You define teamwork, set the bar sky high with creativity, innovation, and a dedication to excellence yielding extraordinary results.”
Along with running communications at the company, she also co-headed MTV Documentary Films, launching the division with Sheila Nevins. Previously Fefferman was a key player at Radius, the indie-film company co-founded by Tom Quinn that was a forerunner to his highly successful banner Neon.
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“From the seismic shifts in media to a global pandemic to personal triumphs and heartbreaking losses, we navigated the highs and lows together, having each other’s backs every step of the way,” the New York-based Fefferman wrote. “As I begin the next chapter, my warmest thanks, and best wishes to a phenomenal group of all stars.”
Read Fefferman’s full memo below
To The Best Team + Dear Colleagues,
Grateful doesn’t even begin to cut it.
In 2016, I came to Viacom to run Communications for Logo and VH1 joining a small but mighty group who consistently outpunched their weight.
Nearly a decade later, our remit has substantially grown but that same hustle, impeccable work ethic and results-oriented commitment, remain steadfast.
You define teamwork, set the bar sky high with creativity, innovation, and a dedication to excellence yielding extraordinary results. And beyond the buzzy “surround sound” we strive for on every campaign, premiere and tentpole, I’m equally proud of the grace and professionalism shown when navigating sticky situations and finding optimal solutions.
Together we’ve had the privilege of championing some of the company’s most significant milestones – helping to launch Paramount+, building the Taylor Sheridan universe, welcoming back both TV’s most beloved serial killer and everyone’s favorite late night host, as well as co-founding MTV Documentary Films with the one and only Sheila Nevins – all while doing good along the way.
Our boundary-breaking social impact initiatives across Mental Health Action and Youth Voter Access drove movements and changed minds while our best-in-class content was recognized by the Oscars®, Peabodys, Globes, SAG and the Emmys® with 50 wins.
From the seismic shifts in media to a global pandemic to personal triumphs and heartbreaking losses, we navigated the highs and lows together, having each other’s backs every step of the way.
As I begin the next chapter, my warmest thanks, and best wishes to a phenomenal group of all stars.
x
Liza
