Current Adds Research Head, Talent

Current TV has hired a director of research as well as some new on-air talent, including the co-founder of the Lyricist Lounge, officials said Tuesday.

Brian Fiori, a veteran of UPN and stations such as KRON-TV in San Francisco, will serve of Current’s vice president of research.

The youth-oriented network has also recruited Anthony Marshall as creative director for viewer-contributed-content marketing and programming, as well as program host. Marshall is a co-creator of the Lyricist Lounge, which began as five MCs hanging out in a rehearsal hall and turned into a showcase for underground talent such as Eminem, 50 Cent, Sean “Diddy” Combs and The Black Eyed Peas.

Marshall also developed The Lyricist Lounge Show for MTV: Music Television, where it garnered strong ratings.

Finally, Current hired Christof Putzel as an on-air reporter and producer.