Seibert to head MTV Online

Fred Seibert, former President of Hanna-Barbera and MTV's original creative director, has been named President of MTV Networks Online, reporting directly to Tom Freston, Chairman and CEO, MTV Networks. MTV Networks Online will be based in New York along with a satellite office in San Mateo, California. In his new role, Seibert is responsible for overseeing two new online ventures, Project Nozzle [AF 3/02/99], the new registered online kids destination from Nickelodeon scheduled to launch in September 1999, and The Buggles Project, a new all-genre online music destination set to launch in June 1999. He will also oversee worldwide development of MTV Networks Online businesses including managing the current MTV.com, VH1.com and Nick.com. "We want our online businesses to be leaders in the next wave of creativity and convenience on the Web," stated Tom Freston. "With Fred Seibert, we get someone who can take us there. He's a creative maverick, and an out-of-the-box thinker with an enviable track record both as a creator and an executive. We've very excited to have Fred back with us." Prior to joining MTV, Seibert founded Frederator Incorporated, an independent TV production company where he produced the Nickelodeon series OH YEAH! CARTOONS!