iCAST Ramping Up Comedy Channel

iCAST (http://www.icast.com) said it is starting an online comedy channel for launch later this year.

As part of its efforts, it said it signed up comedy veteran Brian Murphy as CEO and Lara Stein as President.

Murphy created "The Aspen Comedy Festival" broadcast by Showtime and Comedy Central. He also co-founded HBO's "U.S. Comedy Arts Festival" and is currently serving as co-executive director. Murphy has created and produced numerous live comedy events including Jerry Seinfeld's tours, "Politically Incorrect Live!," and the "U.S. College Comedy Competition."

This adds to iCAST's music and movies categories on its entertainment site.

"The comedy channel will serve as a platform for the discovery, creation and distribution of multimedia content, from both established and undiscovered talent" said Murphy.

Lara Stein comes from iXL where she was president.

"When you look at the type of entertainment people are consuming and sharing on the Web, comedy is probably second only to music," said Stein, iCAST Comedy's newly appointed president. "We see a tremendous opportunity developing interactive comedy on the Web and working with Brian is an excellent way to combine my new media experience with his career in comedy."