MTV Seeks First Twitter Jockey in a Reality Contest

Posted Jun 16, 2010 by Walt Belcher

Updated Jun 16, 2010 at 10:36 AM

First there were DJs. Then there were V-Js. Now comes the T-Js.

MTV is searching for the network’s first Twitter Jockey.

This socially and technology skilled person will be charged with appearing on popular social networking services to engage viewers and serve as a liaison between the audience and network. And the salary will be $100,000 a year to start.

MTV will pit the top 20 candidates in a Twitter-off involving challenges that test a candidate’s social talents online and offline.

The challenges will culminate in a live “MTV Follow Me Finale” to air on the network on Aug. 8 from New York City.

MTV officials say the TJ position is being created partly because there are online spikes during some programs on MTV such as awards shows or episodes of “Jersey Shore.”  A TJ could help fuel the social interaction and ultimately build ratings.