America Online Inc. Friday named Robert Harris as its executive producer of broadband. Harris will be charged with developing broadband content across all of AOL’s brands.
The former president of Universal Television and MCA Television Group brings more than 30 years of television broadcast experience to AOL’s intense efforts to
produce broadband content.
Bob Pittman, AOL’s president and chief operating officer, praised Harris’ accomplishments in the entertainment industry.
“He is responsible for an unprecedented string
of breakthrough television hits spanning almost 30 years, and helped run
some of the most prolific and important companies in Hollywood. With
Robert, AOL is getting a rare combination of creative innovator and proven
manager.”
Initial duties will include programming
design and acquisition, product development and content provider relations.
“I’m very excited about combining my background in the network
and film entertainment industry with AOL’s proven leadership experience in
the interactive medium. This is a great opportunity to provide AOL members
with content and services that take advantage of the unique capabilities of
high-speed access,” Harris said.
The AOL operation plans to create branded products and services
specifically tailored for broadband users. AOL’s next-generation broadband
programming is scheduled to roll out some time this summer in conjunction with the company’s first wave of AOL broadband access.
AOL and Bell Atlantic announced in January a strategic alliance that will
make DSL technology available to 7.5 million homes by year’s end. In March, AOL and SBC announced a deal to offer high-speed DSL upgrades to AOL members in Pacific Bell, Southwestern Bell and Nevada Bell Regions. SBC’s DSL service will to be available to 8.4 million homes by the end of 1999.