Chris McCarthy welcomed his team and quoted the plea work carried out in the name of mental health among the strengths of his 22 -year mandate to MTV, Viacom and Paramount Global in his exit memo.
McCarthy, who had been co-PDG of Paramount Global in the last 15 months in addition to managing the cable division, leaves the company as it is preparing for the closure of its merger with Skydance Media on August 7.
“Our greatest success goes beyond entertainment,” wrote McCarthy. “When the alarming rise in mental health problems has become a crisis, we did not simply sit, we leaned. We have led a mental health coalition across industry and, together, we have led to an increase of almost 40% of mental health stories that help normalize mental health and the presentation of characters with problems, obtaining the help and support of others. through scripted content. »»
Here is McCarthy’s full note:
Hi everyone,
With the closure of the merger tomorrow, I wanted to reach out.
In the 90s, long before social media, MTV was the world’s pop culture center – and it was the first time that many of us saw each other on television. All the different types of people, including people like me, who had trouble with their identity. It was then that I realized that I was not alone and that MTV was a place that many could call at home. It is the power of a great narration – it entertains us not only, but also it has the power to unite, to inspire and to give us hope. Twenty-two years later, I am also grateful today that I traveled these doors in 2003. Together, we made the history of pop culture, pleaded in the name of our audience and built world class shows that will have culture for decades to come.
In recent years, we have not simply adapted to change – we have directed it. We have delivered three of the four best broadcasts of 2025: Mobland, 1923 and Landman. With Taylor Sheridan, we built one of the most successful franchises in the history of television. We brought Jon Stewart back to tell the truth to power, continued to raise and celebrate Dragsters’ race in the world while others try to silence him, and we have developed and extended our partnership with Matt and Trey, ensuring that the South Park boys can continue to underline the inanity and the madness of life for the coming years. These are not only successful shows; They define culture and prove that this team does not follow the trends, we create them.
But our greatest success goes beyond entertainment. When the alarming rise in mental health problems has become a crisis, we did not just sit, we looked. We have led a mental health coalition across industry and, together, we have led to an increase of almost 40% of mental health intrigues that help normalize mental health and present characters with problems, get help and support others. Simultaneously, we worked hard to reduce the negative stigma linked to mental health and found a decrease of 15% of harmful representations through the scripted content. At some point in our lives, many of us will have trouble with our mental health, and by increasing positive representations, we help reduce stigma. Through our stories, we help people see that there is not something that is not going with them; They are rather perfectly human and the search for help is a sign of strength. Together, we have literally helped to change the way an entire industry tells stories about mental health and, in doing so, will help generations of audiences to come.
Many doubted that we could go so far. Most never thought he was reaching this scale. But here we are – not because of luck, but because of each of you and your creativity, your dedication and your implacable support.
While the company is entering its next chapter, I am filled with pride and gratitude for what we have built and absolute confidence in what you will then create – here, elsewhere or in your personal life. This remarkable team will continue to shape culture, lead a change, inspire others and prove that the great narration has the power to change the world. While showing a deep feeling of compassion and kindness for each other.
Thank you for your confidence, your talent, your inspiration and your friendship.
With the deepest respect and gratitude,
Chris
