ConnieTalk Exclusive: Did Former VH1 Exec Steal The Ish?  
Sunday, January 20th, 2008

Michael Hirschorn, former Executive Vice President for original programming at VH1, has left VH1 and formed his own production company, Ish Entertainment.  But he's not going far:  Hirschorn will keep his office in the company's headquarters, and will be working on development of shows for other Viacom-owned channels, including MTV Networks, CMT, and Logo.

Hirschorn was involved in the development of many VH1 "reality" shows such as "Best Week Ever," "Flavor of Love," "I Love New York," "Rock of Love," and "Celebrity Rehab."  He's being joined in his new business with Stella Stolper, former Senior Vice President of Celebrity Talent Development at VH1.

MTV has expressed their regret at Michael's departure, but happiness at the opportunity to continue working with Hirschorn.  But at least one former contact of Hirschorn's is extremely upset about the move:  for an entirely different reason.

Meet Tionna Tee Smalls, owner of Talk Dat Ish Entertainment.  Tionna e-mailed ConnieTalk this weekend looking to get her story out.  Ish Entertainment...Talk Dat Ish Entertainment.

"Coincidence?" Tionna wrote us.  "Not likely.  [I know] Michael Hirschorn and [I've] been in talks with him over potential business deals."

Tionna Smalls claims her first meeting with Hirschorn regarding the venture was to take place earlier this month, but was cancelled by Michael.  The meeting was reportedly rescheduled for Monday the 21st, but that meeting was also cancelled, Smalls says.

Through Talk Dat Ish Entertainment, Tionna has a blog and an online radio show.

"If they thought [I] was going to roll over and allow someone to take [the] brand, they don't know Ms. Smalls," she wrote.  Smalls added that she "has lawyered up with experienced trademark litigation counsel and is ready to fight."

We do not yet know if this accusation is true:  but we sure don't like allegations of the big guy stepping on the little guy (or in this case, woman)!

At presstime (probably since we're one of the few who are here working for you on a Sunday!), we have not received a response from Michael Hirschorn's rep.

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