Swift tops TV on the Web

Vet prodcuer named prexy, co-CEO

By CYNTHIA LITTLETON

Tim Swift, a veteran producer of live events for Merv Griffin Prods., Smith-Hemion and Cossette Prods., has signed on as prexy and co-CEO of TV on the Web, a Virginia-based outfit that handles Internet broadcasts of showbiz premieres and other events.

TV on the Web most recently produced the webcast of the April 22 premiere of the Broadway tuner "The Civil War." The company also maintains a "network" of websites that target various niche markets -- the Jazz Channel, the Equestrian Channel, the Air & Space Channel, etc. -- by providing webcasts of selected events and other online resources.

"We need a strong entertainment executive who is not only creative but understands the potential of narrowcast marketing on the Internet," said Dave Gardy, chairman and co-CEO, in announcing the hire. Videotape manufacturer Ampex Corp. is among the investors in TV on the Web.

Swift joins the company after spending the past three years as senior VP with Merv Griffin Prods., following stints with Pierre Cossette Prods. and Smith-Heimon Prods.

During his 20-year career, he's produced live events for the Academy of TV Arts & Sciences, the Grammys org, presidents Reagan and Bush and such performers as Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand and Quincy Jones.