New Line’s Friedman Named President of AOLTV

Robert Friedman will leave his post as president of New Line Television to become the first president of AOLTV, the interactive television service unveiled in October by America Online Inc., a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc.

The appointment was announced Thursday by America Online.

The service, which costs $249 for hardware and $24.95 a month for connection, allows consumers to e-mail and instant message while watching television. AOLTV is the company’s attempt to reach consumers not yet connected to the Internet. It competes against similar products from Microsoft Corp.

Friedman, who will be responsible for day-to-day operations and for acquiring interactive content, is a longtime friend of AOL Time Warner co-Chief Operating Officer Bob Pittman. The two executives worked together for 10 years early in their careers at MTV.