Comedy Central Creates New Division

The new unit will combine the previously separate divisions of consumer products, publishing, live touring, home video, CDs and digital downloads.

"In the increasingly fractured world of content distribution, success today means reaching fans everywhere,” says Michele Ganeless, president, Comedy Central. “The formation of Comedy Central Enterprises strengthens our relationship with our fans. It's another example of the kind of extension that keeps Comedy Central the No. 1 brand in comedy."

In his new role, Fried will seek to expand the network's business partnerships through brand extensions.

"By consolidating these brand extensions into a single business division with a common goal, we are in a better position to grow and strengthen the brand and provide our fans with what they want most–easily accessible, high-quality comedy, both on screens and off," says Fried. "Forming the Enterprises division also provides benefits to our talent partners by offering them massive exposure to our fans and a multitude of opportunities and points of distribution to increase their own following and generate revenue by getting their content in front of an ever-widening consumer base."