Former Viacom CEO Tom Freston Joins New America Board
Press Release
March 14, 2017
New America is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Freston, principal at Firefly3 and former CEO and COO of Viacom, to its board of directors.
Freston launched and managed such television networks as MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, and Comedy Central as well as oversaw Paramount Pictures during his 26 year tenure at MTV Networks and Viacom. He is a principal of Firefly3, an investment and consultancy firm which focuses on the media and entertainment industries.
Freston also has deep ties to Afghanistan where he once ran a textile business. After 2005 he returned to advise Tolo TV, the first and now the largest television network in the country. He is on the board of Moby Media, the parent organization of Tolo.
“I've long admired New America's quest to reinvent the think tank and have been most impressed watching them assemble their arsenal of young, intellectual firepower,” said Freston. “I'm thrilled to be joining their board.”
“I’m excited for Tom to bring his wisdom and knowledge of media to New America, and help advance New America's ability to tell stories about important subjects to broad audiences in the digital age. His foreign policy expertise will also be invaluable,” said Anne-Marie Slaughter, president and CEO of New America.
The New America board of directors is co-chaired by Reihan Salam and Jonathan Soros, and includes top leaders from media, nonprofits, and the private sector.