MTV Networks has launched an online recruitment drive to reduce time to hire and cut costs.

The online platform, supplied by StepStone will replace a paper-based process for its MTV and Nickelodeon brands. It is hoped the e-recruitment scheme will reduce the burden on HR staff.

The next step for the company, which owns 122 channels such as MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon, will be to launch an internet site to promote job vacancies and improve the ratio of internal to external hires in order to retain top talent in the company.

Kevin Warburton, HR manager at MTV Networks, said: "We want and need to hire the most talented people in every role to keep MTV as the best and most successful network TV provider."

The firm follows other media businesses such as Channel 4, RTL and Bertelsmann, which have implemented similar online recruitment initiatives.