Awards of Courage
William H. Roedy
New York Gala 2007 Honoree
A dedicated music lover and internationalist, Mr. Roedy was the architect of MTVNI’s successful localization model under which significant commercial and artistic autonomy is devolved to individual channels. It was this pioneering strategy of respecting audience diversity through creative and business freedom that led to MTV Networks’ rapid expansion throughout Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. MTV Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.Bill Roedy was appointed Vice Chairman, MTV Networks, in March 2005. In this role, Mr. Roedy oversees all of MTV Networks’ growing international multimedia business operations for the brands MTV: Music Television, Nickelodeon, VH1, VIVA, TMF: The Music Factory, QOOB, FLUX, Game One, LOGO, Paramount Comedy, and Comedy Central.
Because of his extensive travels and advocacy, Mr. Roedy was invited to become an ambassador for UNAIDS in 1998. He leads MTVNI’s global efforts to promote HIV and AIDS education, fight complacency, and lessen the stigma attached to the disease through the Staying Alive campaign, the content of which is made available to broadcasters rights free and at no cost. Under his leadership, MTVNI has produced award-winning HIV- and AIDS-related documentaries, concerts, discussion programs, and public service announcements.
In April 2005, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed Mr. Roedy as Chair of the Global Media AIDS Initiative (GMAI) Leadership Committee, which was launched to galvanize media organizations to play a stronger role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It develops the overall vision and priorities of the GMAI and supports the creation of local, regional, and global media campaigns and partnerships. Mr. Roedy has addressed the UN General Assembly on three occasions.
Mr. Roedy has also served as Chair of the Global Business Coalition (GBC) on HIV/AIDS from 2000 to 2002. In 2002, U.S. President Bill Clinton, on behalf of the GBC and the International AIDS Trust, honored him with the Award for Business Excellence for his outstanding contributions. In 2003, he received the Nesuhi Ertegun Person of the Year trophy at Midem for his services to global music. In 2004, Mr. Roedy accepted the International Emmy Founders Award for revolutionizing music on television and supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS around the world.
Mr. Roedy joined MTV Networks International in 1989 as the Chief Executive and Managing Director of MTV Europe. He was promoted to Chairman, MTV Networks Europe, in 1994. With a television career that spans more than 25 years, Mr. Roedy’s experience includes nearly every aspect of television operations. He began his television career at Home Box Office (HBO) in 1979 as Manager, National Accounts. Prior to joining MTV, he was Vice President for Affiliate Operations, West Coast, based in Los Angeles.
Mr. Roedy is a board member of Doctors of the World, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the American School in London, and the International Advisory Boards of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Mr. Roedy holds an M.B.A. from Harvard University and an undergraduate degree from West Point. He was a career officer in the U.S. Army for nearly seven years and received the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He has held residency in the United Kingdom for 15 years and is both a British and U.S. citizen. He is married and is the father of four children.