Former TMZ General Manager will Oversee all Publishing and Guide Growth of Existing Music and Celebrity Properties and Manage New Initiatives
LOS ANGELES – Alan Citron has been named president of Buzz Media, Inc. the world’s largest community of pop culture web sites, with more than 40 million monthly users. In his new capacity, he will oversee programming, marketing, engineering and product development at the company, whose portfolio of more than 30 sites includes Buzznet, Celebuzz, the Superficial, Stereogum, WWTDD and Absolute Punk.
Citron has served as a senior advisor to Buzz Media (formerly Buzznet) since August 2008. Prior to that, he was the founding general manager of TMZ, one of the most successful editorial start-ups in the history of the Internet.
Citron’s appointment comes as part of an expansion of the Buzz Media management team. Anthony Batt, the company’s founder and former President, will move into the role of Chief Creative Officer, allowing him to focus on targeted strategic initiatives. The company also announced today the promotion of Karina Kogan to EVP, Marketing. Kogan, who joined the company in January 2008, previously served as General Manager, Celebrity where she was instrumental in the vision, design and launch of Buzz Media’s Celebuzz, the first social media site wholly dedicated to celebrity.
“These are accomplished executives who have succeeded in the marketplace time and again,” said Tyler Goldman, CEO of Buzz Media. “With this group in place, we can better capitalize on our social media platform to serve the needs of our existing audience and take full advantage the opportunities ahead of us.”
Citron has nearly 15 years of Internet experience. A former L.A. Times reporter and editor, he was the founding president of Ticketmaster Online. Citron subsequently served as chairman of Ticketmaster Online-Citysearch, and president of USA Networks Interactive under Barry Diller. He was also the founding president of MusicNet, one of the first digital music services.
“Buzz Media has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to music and celebrity properties,” said Citron. “It’s a pleasure to be associated with these great brands.”
About Buzz Media, Inc.
Buzz Media Inc. is a leading social media company operating over 30 websites in pop culture.
By utilizing its proprietary social media platform, the company powers communities that bring together professional editorial, expert opinion, user-generated content and highly customized sponsorships to create the most timely, deep and dynamic entertainment experience on the web.
Buzz Media’s portfolio includes some of the biggest online music and celebrity brands such as Buzznet, Celebuzz, Absolute Punk, GoFugYourself, JustJared, Stereogum, TheSuperficial, WWTDD, and the official sites for celebrities like Britney Spears, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Richie and others.
Buzz Media and OK! Magazine recently announced a new joint venture focused on digital content, marketing and advertising making Okmagazine.com is the newest addition to the company’s online network.
For more information, please visit: buzz-media.com
