The Hearst Corp. has hired former Federal...

The Hearst Corp. has hired former Federal Communications Commission Chairman Alfred C. Sikes to head a newly formed Hearst New Media & Technology Group. The new division will explore ways in which Hearst’s magazines, television, newspaper and entertainment groups can play a role in emerging media technologies.

Hearst is the latest among several media companies to form “new media” divisions to explore the possibilities of the rapidly converging telephone, computer and cable television industries.

Sikes, 53, stepped down as FCC chairman last January after serving under President Bush since 1989. A former head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Sikes will work closely with Hearst Chief Executive Frank A. Bennack Jr. and Chief Operating Officer Gilbert C. Maurer.