John Sykes (American businessman)
John Sykes | |
---|---|
Schenectady, NY, USA | |
Nationality | American |
Alma mater | Syracuse University |
Occupation | American businessman |
Known for | iHeartMedia, MTV and VH1 |
John Sykes (born May 14, 1955) is an American entertainment executive[1] and the President of Entertainment Enterprises for iHeartMedia[2] since 2011. As of January 2020, he is now also the Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. Sykes was a co-founder[3] of MTV[4] and throughout his career has held leadership positions including President, VH1;[5] President, Chrysalis Records – North America;[6] Executive Vice President, Artist Acquisitions, EMI Music Publishing; and Chairman and CEO, Infinity Broadcasting Corporation[7] (now Audacy).
Biography
Early life
Sykes was raised in
MTV
John Sykes' successful career in media began in October 1980 when he was hired by
In August 1981, WASEC's cable music channel was launched under the name
While at MTV, Sykes helped to create and co-executive produced the first-ever MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). He also held the role of Vice President, Programming and Productions, overseeing all studio operations, on-air promotion and long-form content on the network.
In 1986 Sykes,
Music industry years
In July 1986, Sykes left MTV and became a music and film talent agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). While at the agency, he worked on new artist signings including John Mellencamp and Michael Jackson.
In August 1988, Sykes left CAA to become President of Champion Entertainment, a music management entertainment company based in New York City that represented top entertainment artists, including Mariah Carey, John Mellencamp, Hall & Oates, and Carly Simon.
In January 1990, he joined
VH1
In April 1994 Sykes returned to MTV Networks/Viacom as President of the VH1 Cable Television Network.
Viacom
In 2002 Sykes was named by
) where he oversaw the company’s 185 broadcast radio stations. In January 2005 Sykes returned to MTV Networks as President of Network Development.Pilot Group
In March 2008 Sykes left Viacom to join his MTV co-founder
iHeartMedia
Sykes is President of iHeartMedia Entertainment Enterprises, where he is responsible for managing iHeart content partnerships across a broad range of media including television, podcasting, digital platforms and live events. In addition, he creates value for iHeartMedia advertisers and key partners. Sykes also guides the company's relationship with the music industry, as well as overseeing the creation and distribution of iHeart branded video content and marquee events with broadcast and streaming partners.
Sykes co-executive produces iHeartMedia's live music and television events including the
Philanthropy
Sykes has been actively involved with fighting poverty in New York City through his work as a board member of the
In October 2001, following the attacks on the
In March 2020 following the initial outbreak of the
In May 2020, when New York City was adversely impacted by the
Board Positions
John Sykes serves as the Chairman of the Board of the
Awards and honorary degrees
Sykes was presented with an Honorary Doctorate degree and gave the commencement address at the
References
- ^ Szalai, Georg (17 January 2012). "Clear Channel Hires Entertainment Veteran John Sykes to Push Beyond Radio". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ Flint, Joe (17 January 2012). "Clear Channel taps industry veteran John Sykes for key position". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ "MTV Founding Creators".
- ^ a b Anson, Robert Sam (November 2000). "Birth of an MTV Nation". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ Elliott, Stuart (12 April 1995). "THE MEDIA BUSINESS: Advertising; MTV's two cable channels move to increase viewership". The New York Times. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ Goldstein, Patrick (30 June 1991). "Label Presidents Need Thick Skin, but This Is Ridiculous". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ Leeds, Jeff (16 March 2002). "Viacom Appoints Sykes Chief of Infinity Radio". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ Sugiyama, Satoshi (19 April 2017). "Bandier program's move to Newhouse creates tension". The Daily Orange. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
- Syracuse University Magazine. 11 (3): 40. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
- ^ Strauss, Neil (17 March 1996). "Reliving the 70's, in Touch With the 90's (VH1's New SplitPersonality)". The New York Times. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ Gunther, Marc (1 May 2000). "Behind the Music at VH1". CNNMoney. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ a b Goetzl, David (8 October 2001). "VH1: John Sykes". Advertising Age. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ Morales, Tatiana. "Save The Music 2002". CBS News. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ Clinton, William Jefferson. "Remarks at the VH1 Concert of the Century". Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ Fabrikant, Geraldine (16 March 2002). "Viacom Shifts an Insider to Be Chief of Infinity Radio Unit". The New York Times. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ "Shazam Appoints MTV Co-Founder John Sykes to Board". Archived from the original on 26 April 2011. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ "Board of Directors". Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ Catton, Pia (10 December 2012). "12-12-12: Behind the Scenes". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ Hampp, Andrew (7 December 2012). "Clear Channel's John Sykes on 12-12-12 Concert: 'You Never Know What's Gonna Happen'". Billboard. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ McKinley Jr., James (7 December 2012). "Rolling Stones Added to Lineup for Benefit Concert". The New York Times. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ "Paul McCartney to rock Nirvana at 12-12-12 Sandy benefit concert: How to watch and give". 12 December 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ "Watch the Full iHeart Living Room Concert For America With Elton John, Demi Lovato and More". Billboard. 2020-03-30. Retrieved 2020-09-29.
- ^ "WATCH LIVE: Tina Fey Hosts 'Rise Up New York' Coronavirus Benefit With All-Star Performances". NBC New York. 8 May 2020. Retrieved 2020-09-29.
- ^ Pike, Brenda. "Herb Alpert, Patti Austin, and VH1's John Sykes Honored at Berklee's 2000 Graduation". Retrieved 31 May 2013.