Raffaele Annecchino, Former Paramount International President and CEO, passes away aged 55

by Fathima Beckmann

Raffaele Annecchino, a transformative figure in the global media industry and former president and CEO of Paramount International, has passed away suddenly at the age of 55.

Over more than 25 years at Paramount/ViacomCBS, Annecchino rose from an early commercial role in Madrid to oversee the company's international operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia.

As CEO of Paramount International, he played a central role in the company's transition from traditional broadcasting to digital platforms, driving the international rollout of Paramount+, supporting the expansion of Pluto TV and helping create SkyShowtime, the joint venture between Paramount and Comcast.

Africa was an important part of Annecchino's leadership. He championed Viacom's African business and brands, including MTV, MTV Base, BET, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central, and was a strong advocate for local audiences, talent and the growth of the continent's media industry. 

He also worked closely with MultiChoice as a key strategic partner.

After leaving Paramount, Annecchino founded Blue Ocean Media Partners, a global consultancy focused on innovation, transformation and strategic growth.

TRIBUTES FROM AFRICA

Alex Okosi, former EVP, BET International and Paramount Africa

"Raffaele was a deeply valued colleague and a dear friend."

"Having worked alongside him through years of international growth and transformation, I saw firsthand his rare ability to combine sharp commercial instinct and strategic vision with genuine warmth, humanity and optimism."

"He built lasting trust, inspired those around him to think bigger and always made time to uplift people. His impact on the global media industry is undeniable, but for those fortunate enough to have known and worked with him, his warmth, generosity and spirit will be just as enduring."

"He will be deeply missed. We continue his legacy."

Fathima Beckmann, former SVP, Global Inclusion, Paramount International

"Raffaele had a profound impact on my career and on me personally. He saw potential in people and championed their growth."

"Through the support and belief of both Raffaele and Marva Smalls, I had the opportunity to serve on his executive team and relocate from South Africa to Madrid."

"It was an honour to work alongside him at Paramount and later again as he built and globally launched Blue Ocean Media Partners."

"Raffaele was an extraordinary leader, visionary and ambitious, yet deeply human, generous with his encouragement and always willing to share his wisdom. May his soul rest in eternal peace."

Monde Twala, former SVP, BET International and Paramount Africa

"Shocking and heartbreaking news. Raffa was an amazing leader and mentor to me and many of us in Africa."

"He was always supportive and helpful in elevating the business and particularly African culture and youth entertainment. He touched and changed many lives around the world."

"I'm forever grateful for his leadership and dedication. He encouraged excellence and accountability in me personally. Rest easy Raffa. Siyabonga."

Craig Paterson, former SVP, Paramount Africa

"Raffaele was one of those rare people who lit up every room. His energy, warmth and belief in people inspired us all. He was always in our corner, championing Africa’s growth, and his presence will be deeply missed."

Bada Akintunde-Johnson, former country manager, Paramount Africa, Nigeria

"As country manager leading the ViacomCBS/Paramount business in Nigeria, I experienced first-hand the impact of Raffaele's leadership."

"He guided the EMEA business through an extraordinarily difficult period, particularly during Covid, with exemplary leadership, empathy and humanity."

"What I will especially remember was his genuine interest in Africa and the way he made those of us in the region's executive leadership feel that our business, our people and our contributions truly mattered within the broader organisation."

"My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may the impact of his leadership and the many lives he touched remain an enduring legacy."

Solafunmi Oyeneye, former senior channels manager, MTV Base, Nigeria

"Raffaele was one of those leaders whose presence was genuinely felt. He had a deep love for Africa and carried that with him."

"Whenever he came to Africa, there was always such warmth around him, and he was someone so many of us admired and were genuinely very fond of."

"It is incredibly sad to hear that he is gone. To his family, I hope you know that Raffaele touched lives far beyond those who worked closely with him."

"Even those of us several layers removed from him remember him with enormous warmth and affection. He was deeply respected, genuinely loved, and will be very fondly remembered."

"May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace."

(Published as received)

ViacomCBS International Studios launches VIS Social Impact as new studio division, South African director Thishiwe Ziqubu to lead new writers' room.

by Thinus Ferreira

ViacomCBS International Studios has launched VIS Social Impact as a new studio division that will focus on climate, equity and health issues and will include the establishment of a new inclusive writers' room that will be led by the South African director Thishiwe Ziqubu.

VIS Social Impact will create content for the ViacomCBS portfolio of brands, including its Paramount+ video streaming service and for third-party partners, and will "champion diverse creators and content", ViacomCBS says.

ViacomCBS says the aim of VIS Social Impact is to "counteract racism, bias, stereotypes and hate through the company's culture, creative supply chain, and ultimately the content it creates".

"For decades, we've told stories that matter, and we understand the significant role entertainment plays in shaping minds and ultimately driving change," says Raffaele Annecchino, president and CEO of ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI).

"Now with VIS Social Impact, we will harness the power of storytelling to challenge stereotypes, shift perceptions, and create meaningful change in the critical areas of climate, equity and health."

VIS Social Impact is led by Georgia Arnold, senior vice president of social responsibility, ViacomCBS Networks International, who is reporting to JC Acosta, president of ViacomCBS International Studios and Networks Americas. 

Georgia Arnold is the executive director and co-founder of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation that produces the MTV Shuga series.

JC Acosta says "Creating this division is a natural evolution for ViacomCBS and further strengthens our commitment to producing best-in-class content that addresses the issues that matter most to our audiences around the world".

The first VIS Social Impact commission is Protest & Progress, from the photographer and social activist, Misan Harriman. 

Protest & Progress as a docuseries of three 60-minute episodes will premiere on ViacomCBS's Paramount+ streaming service at the end of the year. Paramount+ is not yet available in South Africa or anywhere else in sub-Saharan Africa.

In Protest & Progress, Misan Harriman travels around the world to uncover the stories behind some of the most powerful images and art forms that have defined a moment and a movement. ViacomCBS says that the series will "aim not only to educate on the importance of protests, but inspire audiences to remember their voice matters"

"It is an honour to be among the first commissions for VIS Social Impact and to have an opportunity to present the power of photography and art to a global audience on Paramount+," says Misan Harriman.

"This is a passion project that explores how a single image can reflect and influence society and inspire hope."

VIS Social Impact will also champion diverse creators and content focused on underrepresented communities and will start by launching an inclusive writers' room focused on scripted ideas powered by a diverse group of creatives, with a strong presence of participants from LGBTQ+ communities.

This will be led by the South African film director, writer and actor Thishiwe Ziqubu who also directed episodes of MTV Shuga Down South.

"As a gender non-binary creative, spaces where our voices are heard for their pure artistic truth is imperative."

"Free room for expression of our individual lived experience is rare. I look forward to the tapestry of ideas emerging from this room of black storytellers with a unique voice," says Thishiwe Ziqubu.

Viacom in SVOD deal with MTN to carry Nickelodeon, MTV, MTV Base and Comedy Central content on MTN Shortz streaming platform in Nigeria.

Viacom has entered into a subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) deal with cellular operator MTN to carry content from its Nickelodeon, MTV, MTV Base and Comedy Central brands on the MTN Shortz streaming platform in Nigeria in Africa.

"We are pursuing a diversified and extensive multiplatform strategy," says Raffaele Annecchino, president and managing director of Viacom's Southern and Western Europe, Middle East and Africa business cluster, in a statement.

"We are a company that produces premium longform and shortform content for every platform. We are excited to be working with great partners like MTN in Africa as we continue to evaluate each market for new opportunities and unlock value through both traditional and nontraditional distribution partners."

The Viacom deal for Africa appears limited to Nigeria and a deal between VIMN, Arial View Nigeria Limited (AVNL) and MTN.

Raffaele Annecchino the new managing director of Viacom International Media Networks business for Africa.

Raffaele Annecchino has been appointed as the new managing director of Viacom International Media Networks' (VIMN) business in Africa, the Middle East and South Europe.

As a result Alex Okosi, the senior vice president and managing director for VIMN Africa will now report directly to Raffaele Annecchino.

VIMN through its VIMN Africa division, runs the MTV, MTV Base, Nickelodeon, VH1 Classic and Comedy Central channels on MultiChoice's DStv platform in South Africa and through Africa.

Raffaele Annecchino replaces Antonio Campo Dall'Orto who's left VIMN.

Raffaele Annecchino's new appointment is effective immediately and he will be reporting directly to Bob Bakish, VIMN president and CEO and will be based in Madrid, Spain.

Bob Bakish says in a press release that the company wants to grow its operations in Africa and the Middle East and South Europe.

"I'm honoured to take on this new role at VIMN and I'm looking forward to working closely with our teams across South Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and exploring ways to continue growing VIMN's presence and performance in the region," says Raffaele Annecchino in the press release.