Forget the VJ: MTV is looking for a Twitter jockey

[June 15, 2010]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Remember the MTV VJ? That's so two decades ago. Now the network is looking to hire its first TJ, or Twitter jockey.

MTV officials say the search is on for a new social media maven who will engage with the MTV audience and serve as a liaison between viewers and network honchos.

The network has identified 18 potential candidates and is asking its audience to find two more. The 20 hopefuls will compete in a series of online challenges this summer designed to reveal their personalities and demonstrate how they connect with Twitter followers.

Five finalists will ultimately compete on a live show on Aug. 8, when fans will pick who gets the new job.

The new TJ will report on the Video Music Awards in September and appear on MTV "from time to time," says Dave Sirulnik, the executive overseeing the contest.

[Associated Press; By SANDY COHEN]

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