Netscape names three execs to bolster Netcenter
AOL's Netscape Communications appoints three executives to its management team to oversee content programming for the recently relaunched Netcenter portal.
Susan Mernit, former director of ParadeNet, Parade Publications' new media division, has been named vice president of programming. She will be responsible for all content development on Netscape Netcenter, the company said. Mernit also worked for five years to develop and launch the Scholastic Network, an online educational venture.
Working with Mernit on expanding Netcenter's content offerings will be Laurie Chesler, who has been appointed senior director of general programming, and Tom Brew, who has been named director of daily programming.
Chesler, who has worked in the Internet, television, film, publishing and advertising fields, will develop the business and product strategy for Netcenter's General Programming Channel, the company said.
Brew, who for four years was senior news editor at MSNBC.com and spent 12 years at the San Jose Mercury News, will be responsible for daily news and other content, Netscape said.
Today's announcement comes one week after Netscape relaunched its Netcenter portal in an effort to attract more consumers who access the Internet from work.
"By bringing in Susan Mernit, Laurie Chesler and Tom Brew to expand the convenience and value of Netcenter's content offerings, [Netcenter senior vice president and general manager] Jim Martin is adding valuable expertise to the solid team we have to lead Netscape into the future," Barry Schuler, president of AOL Interactive Services, said in a statement.