TruTV Taps Chris Linn as Head of Programming

Chris Linn has joined Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. as president, head of programming, truTV. In this role, he is responsible for all programming on the network, including the development and production of original programs. Linn's duties also include overseeing all marketing, digital initiatives and strategic planning for truTV. Linn comes to Turner from MTV, where he served as executive Vice president of programming and head of production. He is based in New York and reports to Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks, which includes truTV, TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

"Chris brings to truTV a remarkable track record of success highlighted by some of the most pop-culturally relevant and engaging series on television," said Koonin. "With his proven ability to reach and understand the young-adult audience, Chris has successfully developed shows that evolve beyond the television screen to become full-fledged phenomena. Chris has the strategic vision and energy to take truTV forward in the next phase of the network's brand evolution as it continues to grow competitively in the unscripted arena. I'm thrilled to have him on board."

Linn first joined MTV in 2004 and was promoted to executive Vice president, head of production in November 2010. During his tenure, Linn helped develop and oversee the production of some of MTV's biggest hits, including the hugely popular Jersey Shore and its successful spin-off, Snooki & JWOW. He also oversaw the long-running hit series The Real World. More recently, he led the team that developed the 2012 hit Catfish and launched Ke$ha: My Crazy and Beautiful Life. In addition, Linn oversaw the development of the Emmy(R)-nominated MTV special It Gets Better and the Academy Award(R)-winning Inocente, as well as MTV movies like DisConnected, Made: The Movie and My Super Psycho Sweet 16.

Prior to MTV, Linn held various positions at Nickelodeon, including supervising the production of live-action and scripted projects. He also served as general manager of the Nickelodeon Digital Animation Studio NY, which produced award-winning Blue's Clues and Little Bill. In 2002, he served as Vice president of production at Spike TV, where he oversaw production for all of that network's original series, pilots and specials and production management for marketing.

In addition to his job duties, Linn serves on the advisory board of Realscreen West. In 2012, he was ranked #13 on The Hollywood Reporter's Reality Power List.

Linn is a native of Orlando, Fla., and earned a bachelor's degree in theater arts from the University of Florida, College of Fine Arts.

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