News on News - Fox

Fox Launches Comprehensive Writers Initiative

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:43:34 +0000

Fox Audience Strategy has unveiled a distinctive new advanced writer's program – the Fox Writer's Intensive – designed to nurture experienced writers with diverse voices, backgrounds and life experiences and create a strong pipeline of well-rounded talent for potential staffing as writers, story editors or showrunners on Fox productions.

The initiative, which will kick off with its inaugural class in February 2012, seeks to both elevate the craft of participating writers and help them further establish deeper connections with a wide range of Fox staff writers, show runners, screenwriters, directors and creative executives across television, feature films and digital entertainment.

"Through the Fox Writer's Intensive we are, for the first time, actively investing in experienced talent to bridge the gap between the emerging writer and showrunner," said Nicole A. Bernard, Senior Vice President of Audience Strategy for The Fox Group. "We're providing multi-platform learning experiences and, equally important, higher levels of access to top creative professionals and senior executives – an invaluable benefit both to the writers and our entertainment businesses."

Administered by Film Independent, a non-profit arts organization supporting artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision, the Fox Writer's Intensive offers trained writers a rigorous, four-month curriculum focused on 1) developing original material, 2) learning and honing writing skills for multiple mediums and 3) exploring the business of media and entertainment. Selected writers will have the opportunity to receive detailed feedback and guidance on their scripts through interactive "master classes" and will engage in intimate guest speaker sessions with experienced writers, showrunners and directors to discuss case studies of their films and television shows, and learn about their writing processes. Upon successful completion of the program, Fox will work to staff participating writers on Fox projects and provide each writer with a first look on his/her original script(s).

At the conclusion of the intensive, Fox will select one outstanding participant as the Fox Writer's Intensive Fellow. The Fox Writer's Intensive Fellow will be announced across all Fox units and will receive one-on-one meetings with network and studio heads as well as priority staffing efforts across Fox properties. In addition, Fox will purchase and develop the Fellow's original submission. Fox will also award the referring 501(c)(3) charitable organization of the winning Fellow a financial grant to be earmarked for its writing program.

Candidates for the Fox Writer's Intensive will be considered only through nomination by one of the program's partnering organizations, or through submission by agents and management companies, and must have demonstrated a command of their craft through published and/or other accomplished presentations of their work that demonstrate their writing experience. Fox encourages professional writers from across all entertainment media including television, features, literature and theatre or other published writers to apply. New and emerging writers seeking to learn the fundamentals of screenwriting and the business of writing will have the opportunity to apply for a separate, entry-level writer's program at Fox in the fall of 2012.

The deadline for nominations for the Fox Writer's Intensive is Nov. 09, 2011. For more information about the Fox Writer's Intensive and a list of referring organizations, please visit: www.fox.com/audiencestrategy.

Fox Audience Strategy is a recently formed department at The Fox Group designed to identify programming and operational opportunities that reflect diverse perspectives across all of its entertainment platforms.

Fox Broadcasting Company Reorganizes Marketing and Communications Team

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:34:42 +0000

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) President of Marketing & Communications Joe Earley has announced a restructuring of the network's marketing and communications functions to increase collaboration and creativity between departments and streamline the group's day-to-day decision-making processes.

Beginning immediately, the following executive vice presidents and newly-formed teams will report to Mr. Earley:

Laurel Bernard has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Marketing. In addition to her current oversight of the network's national media, on-air planning and national promotions teams, Ms. Bernard will also lead FOX's affiliate marketing and multi-platform distribution marketing efforts. As part of this new team structure, Michelle Garry has been elevated to Senior Vice President, Multi-Platform Distribution Marketing, and will join Senior Vice President of Affiliate Marketing Nick Belperio, Vice President of National Media Emily King and Vice President of On-Air Planning Shawn Mills as Ms. Bernard's senior lieutenants.
Brian Dollenmayer has been promoted to Executive Vice President of On-Air Promotions and Marketing Operations. He will be responsible for the creative vision and operations behind all of the on-air and radio promotional campaigns that support FOX's new and returning series. Senior Vice President of On-Air Promotion Operations Steven Weinheimer will report to Mr. Dollenmayer.
Shannon Ryan has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Marketing & Communications. In this role, she will drive the network's earned media strategy and grassroots marketing efforts, and will oversee FOX's publicity and corporate communications and creative services teams. Reporting to Ms. Ryan, George Oswald has been elevated to Executive Vice President, Creative Services Group and Executive Producer, Special Projects and Jason Clark has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Publicity and Corporate Communications. In addition, Tomiko Iwata, who reports to Mr. Oswald, has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Creative Services Group.

"At FOX we have an incredible team of talented executives who design and implement some of television's most effective campaigns. Shannon, Laurel and Brian have been invaluable leaders on both the creative and strategic fronts," said Mr. Earley. "In addition to recognizing their accomplishments, these promotions, along with those of George, Jason, Michelle and Tomiko, create a new structure which increases collaboration and innovation."

Missy Halperin, Senior Vice President of Talent Relations; Tom Morrissey, Senior Vice President of Design and Dean Norris, Senior Vice President of Special Ops, will continue to report to Mr. Earley and manage their respective teams.

Laurel Bernard previously served as Senior Vice President, Marketing, for Fox Broadcasting Company, where she oversaw the media and promotional campaigns for many of FOX's hit series, including GLEE, 24, HOUSE, AMERICAN IDOL, FAMILY GUY TERRA NOVA, NEW GIRL and THE X FACTOR. Prior to that, Ms. Bernard spent a year at Fox Searchlight Films as Senior Vice President in charge of media and promotions. Ms. Bernard originally joined FOX in 1989 as a Media Coordinator in the theatrical division and rose through the ranks, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President, Media and National Promotions for Fox Searchlight Films in 2006 where she conceived, developed and executed media and promotional plans for films including "Castaway," "Fight Club," "Ice Age," "X-Men 2," "Little Miss Sunshine," "Notes on a Scandal," "Once" and "Waitress."

Brian Dollenmayer previously served as Senior Vice President, On-Air Promotion and Creative Marketing for Fox Broadcasting Company. Mr. Dollenmayer joined the network in April 1994 as a writer/producer and over the past 15 years has created and overseen on-air promotional campaigns for such hit shows as GLEE, 24, HOUSE, AMERICAN IDOL, NEW GIRL, TERRA NOVA, THE X FACTOR, "Ally McBeal," "Party of Five," and "MADtv". Mr. Dollenmayer began his career in production at WTTE-TV, the FOX affiliate in Columbus, OH.

Shannon Ryan previously served as Senior Vice President, Publicity and Corporate Communications for Fox Broadcasting Company, overseeing the network's publicity campaigns and corporate communications strategies. Ms. Ryan is a long-time member of FOX's publicity staff, having originally joined the company as a coordinator. While a publicist at the network, she developed and executed launch campaigns for such hit series as FAMILY GUY, "That '70s Show," "King of the Hill," "The Simple Life," "Undeclared" and "Arrested Development." In 2006, Ms. Ryan was promoted to Vice President of Entertainment Publicity overseeing PR and awards campaigns for such seminal series as AMERICAN IDOL, HOUSE, THE SIMPSONS and 24. Following her promotion to Senior Vice President in 2007, Ms. Ryan has supervised recent launch campaigns for FOX hits GLEE, TERRA NOVA, NEW GIRL and THE X FACTOR. She also has overseen internal and external executive communications strategy for FOX, including executive positioning, crisis communications and the network's annual upfront presentation and Television Critics Association media relations.

George Oswald previously held the role of Senior Vice President, Creative Services and Executive Producer of Special Projects for Fox Broadcasting Company. In this position, he oversaw the network’s corporate design group, special events, and video projects, and executive-produced major FOX events including the network’s Broadcast Upfront presentations and Fox Sports Super Bowl hospitality events. Mr. Oswald began his career in 1983 in the print advertising department at NBC. Four years later, he joined FOX as a manager in Affiliate Advertising and Promotion Services and has since worked his way through the ranks, serving in increasingly responsible roles.

Jason Clark is a veteran FOX publicity staffer, having joined the network in 1997 and for the past four years served as Vice President of Publicity. As Vice President, he helped guide the publicity staff's strategic campaigns for all new and returning series, specials and events. Prior to that, Mr. Clark oversaw affiliate and event publicity, and played an integral role in the execution of the award-winning publicity campaigns for the launch of AMERICAN IDOL and “The O.C.”

Michelle Garry previously served as Vice President of Multi-Platform Affiliate Marketing for Fox Broadcasting Company. In that role, Ms. Garry oversaw the network’s marketing strategy for more than 200 local FOX TV stations. Her responsibilities included developing and implementing plans to activate affiliate efforts in support of FOX’s marketing initiatives, including local promotions, grassroots marketing and community outreach, as well as direction and production of the company’s annual affiliate conference (FPEC). Ms. Garry’s role was expanded in February 2010, when she became the primary broadcast network liaison for Fox Networks’ MVPD affiliates, responsible for maximizing marketing support from cable, satellite and telco providers and managing the marketing implications and needs related to retransmission consent. Ms. Garry also supervised the development and organization of operational processes for the recently launched FOX VOD service. Ms. Garry joined FOX in 1997 as a manager in Affiliate Marketing. She was later promoted to Director in 2000, and then advanced to Executive Director in 2003. Her television career began in 1988 at KJTV-TV in Lubbock, TX, and continued on at KDAF-TV in Dallas in 1991.

Tomiko Iwata previously served as Vice President, Special Events, Creative Services for Fox Broadcasting Company. During her 13-year tenure at the network, Ms. Iwata has overseen the production of corporate meetings, special events, corporate hospitality and experiential marketing in support of some of FOX's most high-profile events and shows, including the Broadcast Upfronts, Fox Sports Super Bowls, Fox Sports BCS Games, The Primetime Emmy Awards, AMERICAN IDOL, THE SIMPSONS and THE X FACTOR.

Fox Networks Distribution Announces Restructuring of Operations

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:23:40 +0000

In a move designed to better align the division's leadership, Fox Networks (FN) Distribution President Mike Hopkins has announced a restructuring of the group's operations.

Executive Vice President Michael Biard will be assuming additional responsibilities, with Senior Vice President of Advanced Services Julie Simon now reporting to him. Additionally, cable industry distribution veteran Steve Carcano is joining FN as Senior Vice President, National Accounts reporting to Mr. Biard, and Kris Nielsen-Refs will become FN's new Vice President, Digital Distribution, reporting to Ms. Simon.

Mr. Biard currently oversees distribution of FN's 43 domestic programming services by all of the major cable, satellite, and telco operators. He directs the business strategy and negotiations with the major distributors and works closely with all the Fox networks on wide-ranging, multi-platform distribution activities. In his new role he will have direct supervisory responsibility for distribution of the Fox services on all linear and non-linear platforms. He will work closely with Ms. Simon and her team to develop FN's advanced services strategy for new applications and emerging platforms.

"Mike is one of the most dynamic executives in television" said Mr. Hopkins. "With the industry changing at such a rapid pace, non-linear platforms and authenticated product have become far more significant growth drivers for our business, and I am pleased he will be working with Julie to push those initiatives to greater profitability. She and her Advanced Services team have successfully launched many products in the last year (the newly-authenticated FOX.com, FOX VOD, BTN2Go, SPEED2 and the Fox Soccer Plus bundle to name a few) with many more to come in the first two quarters of the new year. Julie's role will expand to cover greater responsibility for digital distribution across all platforms."

Steve Carcano joins FN from Lifetime Networks, where he spent nine years as Senior Vice President, Distribution. He also spent the last year as founder of Metroclips, LLC, a business incubator that launched four new e-businesses. In his new role, he will work closely with Mr. Biard and the FN Distribution team on all business strategies and negotiations with the major cable, satellite and telco distributors. He will also be responsible for supervising all national accounts. Mr. Carcano is a 1985 graduate of Indiana University and holds bachelor's degrees in telecommunications and sociology.

"Steve is a smart, experienced and entrepreneurial executive with tremendous negotiating skills and a proven track record of success," said Mr. Biard. "In addition to his many years negotiating affiliation agreements, he's launched multiple start-ups. In the late '90s, he spent several years here at Fox in various sales and business development capacities, and I expect he will hit the ground running upon his return. I'm pleased to welcome him back and delighted that he's joining our team."

Kris Nielsen-Refs joins the company from Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta, where he served as Director, Business Development and Multi-Platform Distribution. He will be responsible for distribution of FN content on non-linear platforms. Nielsen-Refs, a native of Denmark, also spent several years working in Turner's London office in increasingly responsible account management roles. He attended the University of Westminster and Birkbeck University in London.

"We're delighted to have Kris join our team," said Ms. Simon. "He served as a key executive driving Turner's leading-edge 'TV Everywhere' initiative and brings a wealth of experience in the emerging authentication field and non-linear programming platforms."

Fox Broadcasting Company and Lin Television Corporation Agree to Affiliation in Terre Haute, Indiana

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:35:15 +0000

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) has signed an affiliation agreement with LIN Television Corporation (LIN Media), owner of WTHI/Channel 10, to launch a new FOX affiliate in the Terre Haute, Indiana DMA, it was announced by Jon Hookstratten, Executive Vice President, Network Distribution for FOX.

The Terre Haute station, which is expected to air September 1, will be known as "MyFOX10." The station will operate out of WTHI's digital broadcasting studio, leveraging the station's sales, marketing, engineering and management team. WTHI-TV is the top-rated television station and www.wthitv.com is the number one local media site in Terre Haute, the 152nd-largest television market in the United States.

"LIN is one of FOX's strongest affiliate groups, and we are thrilled to expand our already successful partnership," said Mr. Hookstratten. "In an ever-changing television marketplace, it's key that FOX continues to grow our relationships with progressive media companies like LIN. With their track record, we are confident this partnership in Terre Haute will be a big success."

"We are pleased to offer FOX's premium lineup of programs on our digital channel in Terre Haute," commented LIN Media's President and Chief Executive Officer Vincent L. Sadusky. "Together with WTHI-TV, we aim to strengthen our leading position in the market."

LIN Media also owns or operates FOX affiliates in Portsmouth-Norfolk, VA Albuquerque, NM, Providence, RI – New Bedford, MA, Mobile, AL - Pensacola, FL, Green Bay - Appleton, WI, and Toledo, OH.

Sony to Sponsor The X Factor

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:07:12 +0000

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America have announced Sony Electronics as the official consumer electronics sponsor of The X Factor, the award-winning international phenomenon created and executive-produced by Simon Cowell that makes its highly anticipated debut with a two-night series premiere event Wednesday, Sept. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Sept. 22 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

The latest Sony consumer electronics products will be featured in episodes throughout the season, and a key in-show integration will highlight the Sony products used on the set. The in-show Sony integration, product placements and advertisements will be extended with an integrated multi-platform, off-air marketing partnership that will include online digital and social media elements.

"Being part of The X Factor arrival in the U.S. is a natural partnership fit for Sony," said Stuart Redsun, senior vice president, marketing communications, Sony Electronics. "We are combining the element of advancing music entertainment with Sony – the greatest consumer electronics and entertainment brand – and our make.believe promise empowers consumers to believe that anything they can imagine, they can make real."

"FOX is excited to collaborate with Sony Electronics on a truly organic integration partnership for The X Factor," said Jean Rossi, President of FOX One and Executive Vice President of Sales for Fox Broadcasting Company. "Sony's make.believe promise aligns perfectly with the aspirations of the talented singers and musicians striving to make their dreams come true on The X Factor."

"Sony Electronics and The X Factor makes for a perfect partnership," said Jeff Burroughs, Head of Commercial, Syco Television. "Sony already shares The X Factor's ambitions, and through partnering with Sony Electronics, we are looking forward to delivering exciting new integrations."

"We are thrilled to partner with Sony Electronics as excitement for The X Factor continues to build," said Amy Lorbati, SVP Branded Entertainment and Partnerships, FremantleMedia Enterprises. "Aligning ourselves with a great partner like Sony enables us to engage fans through innovative programs both on and offline and connect them with their favorite brands."

The X Factor is a new competition series that gives viewers the opportunity to help choose the next global superstar or breakout music act. The judges – Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger – will travel the nation searching for undiscovered talent 12 years old or over – both solo artists and vocal groups – who are willing to brave the panel for a chance to make their dreams come true. In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time a contestant auditions for The X Factor judges, he/she will do so in front of an audience of thousands – raising the stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans. This will be the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence that it takes to become a global superstar or breakout music act and win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

The X Factor is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Simon Cowell, Rob Wade and Siobhan Greene are executive producers for Syco Television. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America.

Fox International Channels Promotes Jesus Perezagua and Jason Thorp

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:14:46 +0000

Fox International Channels (FIC) has announced the promotion of Jesus Perezagua to President, FIC Europe & Africa.

Mr. Perezagua, who is widely credited with spearheading the growth of FIC's business in Europe into the most profitable among its global peers, will add 15 TV channels and online businesses in the UK and Africa to his oversight, and will be tasked with further integrating and building FIC’s businesses in the region.

He will continue to be based in Amsterdam and report to Hernan Lopez, CEO of Fox International Channels and National Geographic Channels International.

"Consolidating our strong operations in Europe and the additional resources allocated to Africa are key to sustaining and invigorating our growth in these regions," said Perezagua. "I am thrilled to lead FIC’s extraordinary group of executives as we build on our first class TV channels and services to become the leading international TV group in the region."　

Perezagua has been with the company since 2003 when he was appointed Managing Director of FIC Iberia. Since 2005, he has directed the expansion of Fox International Channels across Eastern and Central Europe, Turkey and Greece.

Lopez also announced the appointment of Jason Thorp to EVP of Content, FIC Europe & Africa. Thorp will relocate to Rome, reporting to Perezagua. In his role, he will oversee FIC's pan-European programming acquisitions, production and strategy, working closely with the programming teams in each of the countries as well as with the global development and acquisitions team in Los Angeles and London.

"Owning our own content is crucial in growing the FIC business, and we now have real scale to bring to bear in that respect," said Thorp. "A unified approach across Europe will give us the clout we need to make a big difference quickly."

Thorp joined FIC in 2003 and has been credited with turning the FX channel in the UK into one of the most successful and best-positioned entertainment brands in the market. He will maintain his responsibility for the UK business.

"Jesus is an outstanding executive with great business acumen and a proven track record. Jason is one of the most talented content-oriented executives in all of FIC, " said CEO Lopez. "As FIC looks to expand in Europe, own more content worldwide, and build a new growth engine in Africa, I am thrilled to count on their help in this new stage of our business."

American Idol Heading to the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:52:44 +0000

American Idol, the groundbreaking, Emmy Award-winning and top-rated FOX primetime series created by Simon Fuller and from producers FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment (a division of CKX), will be inducted into Broadcasting & Cable's Hall of Fame.

The 21st annual awards dinner, honoring the broadcast industry's best, is set for Wednesday, October 26, at the famed Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

"American Idol has been a broadcasting phenomenon from the moment it debuted, and it just keeps getting stronger," said Bill McGorry, Chairman of the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. "This honor is richly deserved for a show that has had such an unprecedented impact on the entire industry."

"It's always special when American Idol gets honored, and even more so when it is by a distinguished organization such as the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame," said Simon Fuller, creator of American Idol. "This show has entertained hundreds of millions of TV viewers and music fans around the world over the last 10 seasons, and I'd like to dedicate this award to everyone who has helped us stay true to our pure ideal of discovering and showcasing the very best new singing talent in America."

"This is an exceptional honor for all of us," said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia North America and executive producer of American Idol. "It is quite extraordinary and rare for a television show to receive such recognition for its achievements alongside some of the most accomplished individuals in the broadcast industry, and for that we are truly grateful."

"We feel incredibly privileged to be recognized in the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame," said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. "Our entire American Idol team is honored to be a part of such a groundbreaking show, and we're very thankful to everyone who has supported the series for the past 10 seasons."

"The star power of American Idol takes what is already the industry's premier awards event and elevates it to yet another level," added Louis Hillelson, VP/Group Publisher, Broadcasting & Cable. "We are thrilled to welcome Idol into the Hall of Fame, and we look forward to what will be a truly unforgettable evening."

American Idol is an undisputed ratings juggernaut, has ranked as the No. 1 show for eight consecutive seasons and has shattered a series of long-standing television records. A bona fide cultural phenomenon, Idol resonates far beyond the scope of television. The show broke out from the unscripted genre by offering the viewing public a first: the chance for America to choose the next music star through telephone, text, and more recently, online voting. In 2011, the series finale garnered an astonishing and record-breaking 122 million votes, which was the highest number of votes in the show's history.

American Idol set out to prove that one audition can change the rest of someone's life. And it did just that by producing some of the biggest names in the music business, and the show's talent roster reads like a Who's Who of the entertainment industry including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Daughtry, Adam Lambert and David Cook. Idol finalists have also been awarded a long list of accolades, including nine Grammy wins.

Over the years, some of the faces have changed, but the goal of the show remains the same: empowering viewers to decide who will be America's next singing superstar. Emmy-nominated host Ryan Seacrest has been with the show since day one and continues to keep viewers engaged throughout each broadcast. Last year, Idol welcomed two new judges to sit alongside Grammy Award-winning producer and 20 year music industry veteran Randy Jackson on the panel for Season 10: Golden Globe-nominated actress, platinum-selling recording artist, movie producer and entrepreneur Jennifer Lopez; and multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, frontman of Aerosmith and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steven Tyler.

In addition to winning multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Kid's Choice Awards and People's Choice Awards, the show was honored with the prestigious Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' Governors Award in 2007 for Idol Gives Back, which has raised nearly $185 million for U.S. and global charities. Most recently, series creator and executive producer Simon Fuller was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The upcoming 11th season promises to have some incredible moments, and as always, will feature plenty of not-to-be-missed surprises.

The 2011 class takes its place alongside the over 300 luminaries who have been recognized previously by Broadcasting & Cable Magazine.

Fox Networks Group Restructures Business and Legal Affairs Team

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 12:44:51 +0000

In a move designed to better align Fox Networks Group’s (FNG) business and legal affairs functions, FNG Executive Vice President and General Counsel Rita Tuzon has announced a restructuring designed to bring most of the company’s business and legal affairs group under one umbrella. The move also includes several promotions within her team.

Claudia Teran, who previously served as Senior Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs and Associate General Counsel, Fox Cable Networks (FCN), has been named Executive Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs and Deputy General Counsel for Fox Networks Group. In her new role, Ms. Teran will be the number two legal executive for the division responsible for all legal and business matters pertaining to FNG's cable and broadcast network distribution, digital new media strategy, and corporate/business development. She will continue her work with the international division of FOX Sports Media Group (including FOX Soccer, FOX Deportes in the U.S., FOX Sports in Latin America, and the worldwide FOX Sports syndication sales business), Fox Hispanic Media, as well as FUEL TV both domestically and internationally.

Prior to joining Fox in 2000, Ms. Teran was a transactional attorney at Sidley & Austin, where she worked on behalf of private and public entities addressing a wide variety of business dealings and regulatory issues. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley and her law degree from New York University School of Law.

Ms. Tuzon has also promoted three others in the department. Adam Reiss, who had served as Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs will now serve as Senior Vice President, Corporate Transactions and Distribution for Fox Networks Group, with responsibility for complex corporate transactions including joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and other strategic opportunities. He will also continue to work with Fox Networks’ distribution team on key network affiliation negotiations.

Mr. Reiss has been with Fox since 2004. Previously he was a transactional attorney with O’Melveny and Myers focusing on securitizations, public offerings, private placements of debt and equity and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Reiss received his bachelor’s degree from UCLA and his law degree from The University of California’s Boalt Hall School of Law. He will continue to report to Ms. Teran.

Additionally, Anna Tran Reyna, who previously was also Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs for Fox Cable Networks, will now serve as FCN’s Senior Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs, Digital Media with legal responsibility for the division’s diverse digital extensions and infrastructure, including network websites, Fox Digital Media, digital content deals, FNG's Hulu and other digital distribution relationships, and other Fox ventures in the digital arena. She will also continue her work with FOX Sports Media Group’s online properties, including FOXSports.com.

Prior to joining Fox in 2007, Ms. Tran Reyna was Associate General Counsel for Ascent Media Group in Santa Monica, handling legal affairs for the company’s new media initiatives in digital asset management and content distribution services. She previously was a transactional attorney with Cooley Godward LLP in Palo Alto, CA and Musick, Peeler and Garrett in Los Angeles. Ms. Tran Reyna received her bachelor’s degree from UCLA and her law degree from the UCLA School of Law. She will also continue to report to Ms. Teran.

“Fox Networks Group is the most successful programming entity in television, and our success is due in no small part to the strategic focus of our business-minded legal team,” said Ms. Tuzon. “This reorganization streamlines our distribution and content efforts across platforms, which will not only improve efficiency but increase revenue opportunities for our networks. Claudia, Adam, and Anna have been at the forefront of these cross-platform efforts in the digital and distribution areas, and this reorganization recognizes the valuable role they will play as we take our content businesses to new heights in the coming years.”

In the sports area, Leanna Einbinder, who previously served as Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs, has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs for FCN. "Leanna is a key player in our professional team and collegiate conference negotiations for Fox Networks Groups’ many domestic regional and national sports networks, including FOX Sports, FOX Sports Net, FOX College Sports, Big Ten Network and Fox’s 19 owned and operated regional sports networks," Tuzon stated. Ms. Einbinder will continue to be responsible for negotiating and drafting rights agreements with many of the more than 120 professional and college sports teams and conferences associated with Fox.

Ms. Einbinder has been with Fox since 2000. She joined the company from the Los Angeles office of Pillsbury, Madison and Sutro LLP where she was a transactional attorney focusing on negotiating and drafting a wide array of corporate and business transactions as well as intellectual property-related legal transactions. Ms. Einbinder received her bachelor’s degree from Hampshire College in Amherst, MA and her law degree from The University of California’s Boalt Hall School of Law. She will continue to report to Karen Brodkin, Senior Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs for FCN.

Earlier this year, Ms. Tuzon began the restructure when she reorganized the cable and broadcast network Standards & Practices Groups, combining them under the leadership of now-Executive Vice President Elizabeth Casey.

Fox Broadcasting Company and Granite Broadcasting Corporation Agree to Affiliation in Ft. Wayne, Indiana

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:15:15 +0000

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) has reached an affiliation agreement with Granite Broadcasting Corporation (Granite), owner of WISE-TV/Channel 33, to launch a new FOX affiliate in the Ft. Wayne, Indiana DMA on August 1, 2011, it was announced by Jon Hookstratten, Executive Vice President, Network Distribution for FOX.

The Ft. Wayne station, to be known as WISE-TV/DT is currently a MyNetworkTV affiliate. Moving forward, it will broadcast both FOX and MyNetworkTV programming and will be promoted as MY FOX FT. WAYNE. The station will air a local newscast five nights a week and operate out of WISE-TV’s existing Butler Road offices in Ft. Wayne that house its news, sales, marketing, engineering and management team. The agreement does not affect Granite’s WISE-TV D1 programming. Ft. Wayne is the 107th-largest television market in the United States.

“We are proud to partner with Granite Broadcasting for the first time as Granite’s WISE-TV/DT joins FOX’s family of more than two hundred affiliates,” said Mr. Hookstratten. “Granite has a proven track record for providing local viewers with outstanding programming and community service, and its strong local news presence in Ft. Wayne will help strengthen FOX’s footprint in the market.”

"We’re pleased to bring FOX’s excellent lineup of sports and entertainment programming to WISE-TV as a complement to our existing stable of local news and information programming,” said Peter Markham, Chairman of Granite Broadcasting Corporation. “We look forward to continuing to build the FOX franchise in Ft. Wayne on WISE-TV/DT.” Granite Broadcasting’s WISE-TV/DT is replacing Nexstar Broadcasting’s WFFT-TV, whose affiliation agreement with FOX expired in June 2010.

Fox Broadcasting Company and Koplar Communications Agree to Affiliation in Springfield, Missouri

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:12:46 +0000

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) has reached an affiliation agreement with Koplar Communications’ KRBK-TV/Channel 49 to launch a new FOX affiliate in the Springfield, Missouri DMA September 1, 2011, it was announced by Jon Hookstratten, Executive Vice President, Network Distribution for FOX.

The Springfield station, known as KRBK-TV, is currently a MyNetworkTV affiliate. Moving forward, it will broadcast both FOX and MyNetwork programming and will be promoted as FOX 49. The station will operate out of KRBK’s existing Enterprise Drive offices in Springfield that house its sales, marketing, engineering and management team. Springfield is the 74th-largest television market in the United States.

“We are pleased to have Koplar Communications’ KRBK-TV join the FOX family,” said Mr. Hookstratten. “It’s a great opportunity to bring a fresh voice to the Springfield market.”

"We are thrilled that KRBK will be the home of FOX’s incredible lineup of sports and entertainment" said Ted Koplar, President and CEO of Koplar Communications. "As the newest TV station in the market, we are honored to be a part of the Springfield community, and look forward to continued growth as a FOX affiliate."

Koplar Communications’ KRBK-TV is replacing Nexstar Broadcasting’s KSFX-TV, whose affiliation agreement with FOX expired in June 2010.

Fox, Syco Television and FremantleMedia Announce Chevrolet as Automotive Sponsor of 'The X Factor'

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:56:46 +0000

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America have announced Chevrolet as the official automotive sponsor of The X Factor, the award-winning international phenomenon created and executive-produced by Simon Cowell that makes its highly anticipated stateside debut in fall 2011 on FOX.

Chevrolet's wide-ranging sponsorship of The X Factor includes automotive exclusivity in multiple episodes throughout the season that will feature in-show integrations, season-long organic product placement and an off-air marketing partnership with digital extensions that will include www.fox.com/thexfactor and social media. Chevrolet will be the official automotive sponsor of The X Factor on-air, as well as the exclusive automotive sponsor off-air and online.

"When The X Factor launches in the U.S., it seems very natural that Chevrolet is riding shotgun," said Rick Scheidt, Vice President of Chevrolet Marketing. "For the past 100 years, Chevrolet has been a cultural force in music, and we are proud to be partnering with FOX to support the next big thing for music fans and artists."

"FOX is thrilled to partner with Chevrolet, an iconic American brand that celebrates the everyday hero, in launching the most anticipated series of the fall, The X Factor," said Jean Rossi, President of FOX One and Executive Vice President of Sales for Fox Broadcasting Company. "We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with Chevrolet, which has become a key marketing partner for the network."

"We are excited to partner with Chevrolet, one of America's oldest and most recognizable brands, as we continue to build momentum for the premiere season of The X Factor in the U.S.," said Keith Hindle, CEO Americas of FremantleMedia Enterprises. "Our strategic partnership will allow Chevrolet to engage with new audiences and reach consumers through innovative programs across multiple platforms."

The X Factor is a new competition series that gives viewers the opportunity to help choose the next global superstar or breakout music act. The judges – Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Antonio "L.A." Reid and Nicole Scherzinger – will travel the nation searching for undiscovered talent 12 years old or over – both solo artists and vocal groups – who are willing to brave the panel for a chance to make their dreams come true. In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time a contestant auditions for The X Factor judges, he/she will do so in front of an audience of thousands – raising the stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans. This will be the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence that it takes to become a global superstar or breakout music act and win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music.

Fox Broadcasting and Communications Corporation of America to Launch New Affiliate Station in Envansville, Indiana

Fri, 13 May 2011 09:11:16 +0000

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) has signed an affiliation agreement with Communications Corporation of America (ComCorp), owner of WEVV/Channel 44, to launch a new FOX affiliate in the Evansville, Indiana DMA, it was announced by Jon Hookstratten, Executive Vice President, Network Distribution for FOX.

The Evansville station, to be known as WEVV-TV D2 is currently a MyNetwork TV affiliate. Moving forward, it will broadcast both FOX and MyNetwork programming and will be promoted as MY FOX 44. The station will operate out of WEVV’s existing Main Street offices in Evansville that house its sales, marketing, engineering and management team. The agreement does not affect ComCorp’s WEVV-TV D1 programming. Evansville is the 103rd-largest television market in the United States.

“We are delighted to have ComCorp’s WEVV-TV D2 join FOX’s family of more than two hundred affiliates,” said Mr. Hookstratten. “ComCorp stations have been strong FOX affiliates in Texas and Louisiana since the network launched twenty-five years ago, and the station group has a proven track record for providing local viewers with outstanding programming and community service.”

“We’re pleased to bring FOX’s excellent lineup of sports and entertainment programming back to Channel 44,” said Steve Pruett, President and CEO of ComCorp. “We look forward to continuing to build the FOX franchise in Evansville on
WEVV-TV D2.”

ComCorp also owns and/or operates FOX affiliates in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport, Louisiana; as well as Odessa, Tyler and Waco, Texas – all of which recently signed new FOX affiliation agreements. FOX decided to have WEVV-TV D2 (MY FOX 44) replace Nexstar Broadcasting’s WTVW/Channel 7, whose affiliation agreement with FOX expired in June 2010.

Fox Broadcasting and Journal Broadcast Group to Launch New Fox Affiliate on Boise, Idaho

Fri, 13 May 2011 09:08:54 +0000

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) has signed an agreement with Journal Broadcast Group, owner of KNIN/Channel 9, to launch a new FOX affiliate in the Boise, Idaho DMA, it was announced by Jon Hookstratten, Executive Vice President, Network Distribution for FOX.

The station, to be known as FOX9 is currently a CW affiliate. The station will operate out of KNIN’s existing Nampa, ID offices that house its news, sales, marketing, engineering and management team. Boise is the 113th-largest television market in the United States.

“It’s a real pleasure to expand our relationship with Journal Broadcast Group and add KNIN to the family of FOX affiliates,” said Mr. Hookstratten. “Journal has been an outstanding affiliate partner with FOX for more than twenty years with stations in Ft. Myers, Florida and Lansing, Michigan. Both stations are tops in their respective markets, and both have a record of outstanding service to their communities. They have just signed new affiliation agreements, and we look forward to our continued relationship with their teams and now the team at KNIN as well.”

“We’re looking forward to bringing the combination of FOX programming and our local news and popular off-network comedies to viewers in the Treasure Valley,” said Steven J. Smith, Chairman and CEO of Journal Communications, the parent company of Journal Broadcast Group. “FOX is a terrific partner for us in our other markets. We are confident their success will continue as they provide a tremendous combination of entertainment and sports programming.”

FOX9 replaces Block Communications KTRV/Channel 12, whose affiliation agreement with FOX expired in August 2010. The affiliation agreement between KNIN and the CW Network also expires later this summer.

Fox Broadcasting Company Elevates Marketing Executive Tom Morrissey to Senior Vice President of Design

Tue, 03 May 2011 12:15:51 +0000

Fox Broadcasting Company has promoted Tom Morrissey to Senior Vice President, Design, it was announced last week by Joe Earley, President, Marketing & Communications.

In his new role, Morrissey will report directly to Earley and will be responsible for the creative design strategy supporting the network’s programming and branding across all forms of media.

Reporting to Morrissey are Justin Owens, Vice President, Broadcast Design; Brian Salay, Vice President, Digital Design; and Julius Preite, Vice President, Animation Design, who will support him in managing and strengthening the look and style of all of the network’s cross-platform marketing and promotions.

“Tom is an incredibly gifted artist and executive. His creative vision and fearless approach gives our marketing its unique and indisputable edge,” said Earley. “He’s also a phenomenal leader who – together with Justin, Brian and Julius – has inspired the FOX Design team, which is second to none.”

Morrissey has developed and overseen award-winning creative for FOX series such as GLEE, HOUSE, FRINGE, “24” and AMERICAN IDOL. He first joined FOX in 1996 as Art Director, Print Advertising, and created innovative campaigns for popular shows, including “Malcolm in the Middle,” “King of the Hill,” “The O.C.” and “The Bernie Mac Show.” In 2004, he left to join entertainment ad agency Crew Creative as Senior Art Director, where he designed key art and advertising for cable and broadcast television networks, including TNT, TBS, CBS, CNN, Lifetime, FX, FOX and HBO. He returned to FOX in 2006. Previously a graphic designer, Morrissey began his entertainment advertising career in 1993 at Matsuno Design Group, where he worked on theatrical campaigns for New Line Cinema, Universal, The Walt Disney Company and other feature film clients.

Before joining FOX in 2008, Justin Owens served as Senior Art Director at National Geographic Channel, where he led the internal design team in its very successful re-branding of the channel. Prior to that, Owens was a Senior Motion Designer for The Food Network and held positions at other cable networks as well as at J. Walter Thompson in Denver and Seattle.

Brian Salay previously served as Vice President, Digital Design for Fox Digital Media, leading projects for Fox Sports, FX Networks and other Fox digital entities. Before that, he held the role of Senior Design Manager at Yahoo!, Inc., where he led the first major and highly successful redesign of Yahoo.com, one of the top-ranked web sites in the world. Prior to that, Salay was Lead Designer at Frog Design, where he led projects for high-profile clients including Magellan®, Sun Microsystems and The Walt Disney Company.

Julius Preite is an Emmy Award-winning artist whose work has been featured on the covers of Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, TV Guide, Playboy, Animation and Maxim magazines, among others. Prior to developing and creating campaigns for all of FOX’s primetime animated series, Preite worked as a layout artist on THE SIMPSONS and helped launch “The Simpsons Movie” in 2007 with a critically acclaimed spread in Harper’s Bazaar and an award-winning teaser poster.

Fox International Channels Launches Fox Crime in Norway, its First Entertainment Channel in the Market

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:19:59 +0000

Fox International Channels (FIC) has announced the launch of Fox Crime into Norway, the group’s first entertainment TV channel in the market.

The channel will feature the best of crime and investigation entertainment programming and will be available through Riks TV and Altibox from March 21st.

Fox Crime’s launch in Norway is a key part of FIC’s strategy to grow its Nordic operation and to bring Norwegian and Nordic viewers the world’s best entertainment and factual programming. Today FIC distributes a diverse bouquet of entertainment and factual channels worldwide anchored by the Fox and National Geographic brands.

“We are very pleased to increase our presence in the Nordic market with the launch of our first entertainment channel. Fox Crime has been tremendously successful globally by offering some of the best crime and investigation content from the US and around the world on one dedicated channel. The launch of Fox Crime in Norway is a key step in our Nordic expansion strategy. Norway is full of potential, and welcomes innovation. We look forward to expanding our local business there,” says Jesús Perezagua, President Fox International Channels Europe.

“We are delighted to introduce Fox Crime to Norwegian viewers,” says Ase Ytreland, Managing Director of Fox International Channels for Nordic & Baltic Regions. “Fox Crime is the first and only dedicated crime entertainment channel in Scandinavia. It’s a strong international channel that we have tailored specifically to the Norwegian market – a winning combination that we think will resonate with Norwegian viewers. FIC is fully committed to Norway – as the establishment of a local office, the hiring of local staff, and now the launch of Fox Crime clearly demonstrate. We plan to become a strong local player offering the world’s best fiction and factual programming to Norwegian viewers.“

Fox Crime currently reaches nearly 14 million households in 67 countries. The channel targets a 18-49 year old audience. In Norway, the channel will broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week with Norwegian subtitles..

Fox Crime will be the home of crime and investigation entertainment in Norway, with a selection of the best European and American series and movies that the genre can offer.
The channel will introduce a number of new series to Norway – from “The Glades”, which premiered as A&E network’s highest-rated original program ever in the USA, to “Rubicon” which did the same for AMC network at the time of its premiere, to the much-anticipated and highly acclaimed series “The Walking Dead”. Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Drama Series of 2010 and based on the eponymous comic book by Robert Kirkman, “The Walking Dead” is produced by acclaimed three-time Oscar nominee Frank Darabont and is the highest-rated US cable show ever.

Fox Crime Norway will also feature the Norwegian premiere of new seasons of some of the best crime and investigation series - “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”, “Fringe”, “Monk”, “The Bridge” and “Warehouse 13” - and iconic crime series including “The Sopranos”, “Crossing Jordan”, “Las Vegas”, and “The Pretender”.

Cinema lovers will also enjoy Fox Crime’s uninterrupted weekend movies - a selection of the genre’s best titles.

Fox International Channels Launches Utilisima in the Balkans

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:46:43 +0000

FOX International Channels (FIC), News Corporation’s multimedia arm, focused on the production and international distribution of Pay TV channels, content and digital services for Internet and mobile, has announced the founding of FOX International Channels Estonia OÜ, its Tallinn-based regional headquarters servicing the Baltic region.

The new company is responsible for all operational and programming functions for FIC’s existing Baltic channels, including: FOX Life, FOX Crime, National Geographic Channels.

The move further supports FIC’s ongoing strategy of localizing services in the region. In June 2009, the channels’ group became the first international pay television service to launch a local ad sales and marketing function in Tallinn, represented by the local agency owned and managed by Ms Karoli Hindriks. In December 2010, FIC hired and promoted Ms Hindriks as the Regional Manager for the Baltic states.

“In January 2011 Fox Life, Fox Crime and National Geographic Channel reached almost 700,000 households in Estonia alone, and held close to 5% audience share in the female 18-49 target. We look at these numbers and realize there is significant appetite in the region for well programmed and locally marketed television. We’re already a significant provider of this type of quality content and believe that through increased local presence, we can satisfy our audiences even further.” said Ms. Karoli Hindriks.

The new office will be based in Tallinn and manage the implementation of the FIC’s commercial strategy in the three Baltic States. Ms. Hindriks, as newly appointed Regional Manager for the Baltics will report to Mrs. Ase Ytreland, Managing Director of Fox International Channels for Nordic & Baltic Region.

“At FIC, we believe that managing a local operation is critical in understanding our local viewers and partners. Throughout the world, it is a strategy that has ensured we are able to deliver the best possible products and service in every region. It is therefore a natural step for us to open a local FIC office in Tallinn, allowing our local staff to continue to build a solid foundation for further growth in the region. We are very grateful to the Baltic viewers who are loyal to our channels, and the good co-operation we have with our esteemed distributors and ad sales partners. We are looking forward to further growth in this market,” said Mrs Ase Ytreland.

Obama vs. O'Reilly Headlines Fox's Star-Studded Super Bowl XLV Pregame Show

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 14:47:27 +0000

Thousands of hours planning, production and execution are on display in North Texas during the FOX SUPER BOWL SUNDAY pregame show this Sunday in the hours right before the Green Bay Packers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.

Highlighting the four-hour, star-studded extravaganza is an exclusive one-on-one interview between President Barack Obama and Fox News Channel's Bill O'Reilly at approximately 4:30 PM ET.

While O'Reilly vs. Obama may be as compelling to some as Packers vs. Steelers, it's just one of the many can't miss moments during the FOX SUPER BOWL XLV PREGAME SHOW, live this Sunday, Feb. 6 (2:00-6:00 PM ET) from in and around Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. FOX SUPER BOWL SUNDAY is hosted by Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee, with analysts Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson and Michael Strahan, and reports from Jay Glazer, Pam Oliver and Chris Myers and comedic prognosticator Frank Caliendo. The stars of FOX NFL SUNDAY, America's No. 1 pregame show begin their Super Bowl day from a special set outside of spectacular Cowboys Stadium before making their way indoors to a location in the north end zone.

A third location is site of FOX's Super Bowl Sunday Red Carpet where Michael Strahan teams with Access Hollywood correspondent Maria Menounos to interview some the biggest celebrities from music and entertainment including Academy Award-winners Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler, Hugh Jackman, Jamie Foxx, Owen Wilson and Hugh Laurie from FOX's hit show House and Jennifer Beal from FOX's new police drama CHICAGO CODE. Country music star Keith Urban and Maroon 5 stop by and perform during the Red Carpet segments, which run between 2:30 and 4:30 PM ET.

"Our goal with every Super Bowl pregame show is to have something for everyone and this year is no exception," said FOX Sports Media Group Chairman David Hill. "This show will combine all of the X's and O's to satisfy the football fan with all the glitz and glamour that surrounds this year's event in North Texas." Other pregame highlights include:

-- 3:30 PM ET - The celebrity news website TMZ provides its unique review of the week's Super Bowl scene and night-life in Dallas.

-- 5:30 PM ET - Four-time Super Bowl champion Terry Bradshaw, Steelers star quarterback of the '70s and 80s, goes in-depth with Steelers quarterback of today, Ben Roethlisberger, himself a two-time Super Bowl champion. The duo discusses the current Steelers quarterback's trying past, his comeback from suspension and what a third Super Bowl appearance means to him.

-- 5:53 PM ET - Now a Super Bowl on FOX tradition, FOX Sports presents for the fourth time excerpts from The Declaration of Independence as read by a number of current and former NFL greats with representatives of the US military and various groups that represents our country's diverse culture.

-- 6:15 PM ET - Michael Douglas voices the final "Journey to Super Bowl XLV" open, an emotional, stirring tribute to both teams and the resiliency of America and the world.

Jamia Bigalow Elevated to Senior Vice President of Affiliate Marketing at Fox Networks

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 11:27:40 +0000

Jamia Bigalow has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Affiliate Marketing for Fox Networks it was announced today by Mike Hopkins, President, Fox Networks Affiliate Sales and Marketing, to whom she will report.

In her new role, Ms. Bigalow will oversee the Affiliate Marketing group's strategic efforts that support affiliate sales and generate greater brand awareness for Fox's extensive portfolio of networks. Her group also is responsible for developing marketing initiatives that enhance partnerships between Fox and its key distributors.

"Jamia's innovation and leadership have helped the affiliate marketing group achieve tremendous success during her nearly six years with Fox Networks," said Mr. Hopkins. "Her experience managing almost every aspect of our affiliate marketing and local ads sales programs will be extremely valuable as we continue to grow our cable channels, transition the broadcast network to a dual revenue stream model and create digital extensions for all our businesses."

Most recently, Ms. Bigalow served as Vice President, Affiliate Marketing for Fox Networks where she created and managed affiliate marketing strategies for the division's entertainment brands, including some of the most recognizable networks in television – FX, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, and Fox Movie Channel. She also developed marketing initiatives that supported the distribution of services within Fox Networks' portfolio and directed the development of campaigns and promotions that aligned business objectives for Fox's networks and affiliates.

Prior to joining Fox Networks in 2005, Ms. Bigalow served as Director of Affiliate Marketing for the NFL Network, and launched an affiliate marketing program that helped the network reach 20 million subscribers in less than a year.

Ms. Bigalow first worked at Fox as Manager of Affiliate Marketing for Fox Family Channel and eventually was elevated to Director of Affiliate Marketing at the cable network where she developed cornerstone promotions. Fox Family was acquired by ABC/Disney in 2002, and Ms. Bigalow continued as Director of Affiliate Marketing for ABC Cable Networks Group until 2003.

Ms. Bigalow received a bachelor's degree in communications from Arizona State University. She has been a member of both Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) and CTAM since 1997 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the CTAM Mark Awards Committee.

Fox Networks Affiliate Sales and Marketing is a unit of Fox Networks Group (FNG) and includes 37 domestic programming services in which FNG holds interests. Together these networks reach more than 550 million subscribing television homes and represent one of the media industry's largest and most diverse programming groups. Fox Networks Sales and Marketing distributes FX, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Fox Reality Channel, Fox Movie Channel, FUEL TV, FSN and 19 regional cable sports networks, SPEED, FOX Soccer Channel, FOX Soccer Plus, Fox College Sports, FOX Deportes and the Big Ten Network (co-venture with the Big Ten Conference). FNG also includes the FOX broadcast network, Fox Digital Media, and Fox Sports Enterprises, which manages interests in sports franchises and leading statistical information provider STATS, LLC.

Marla Newman to Head Ad Sales for Fox Sports Interactive

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 23:20:01 +0000

Digital advertising sales executive Marla Newman has been appointed to the position of Senior Vice President, Sales, Fox Sports Interactive Media (FSIM) effective today.

The announcement was made by the division’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Jeff Husvar to whom she reports. Newman is based in New York where the FSI sales department is headquartered.

Fox Sports Interactive Media is the digital production and distribution arm of the Fox Sports Media Group, and is home to FoxSports.com on MSN, Yardbarker.com, Whatifsports.com and Scout.com, which monthly combine to reach close to 30 million unique visitors.

“FSIM continues to grow ad revenue faster than the market, and we’re seeing tremendous progress when it comes to integrated opportunities with our network and cable partners in the Fox Sports Media Group,” said Husvar. “Marla has exceptional credentials and the perfect background to achieve our goals and maximize the Fox Sports Media Group’s digital sales potential.”

In her previous position, Group Vice President for MTVN Digital, Newman led digital and mobile sales for several high profile entertainment web properties including ComedyCentral.com, Spike.com and TVLand.com from 2006 through 2010. Her leadership, creativity and strategic initiatives helped MTV Networks generate significant annual revenue and built lasting market share with Fortune 100 clients and major agencies.

Before joining MTV Networks, Newman held several positions with MSN’s Media Group from 2000 to 2006. Her MSN career began as a National Account Executive with MSNBC before moving on to become an Agency Relations Manager and a Senior Account Executive concentrating on two key accounts, Coke and P&G. Newman’s career in media sales began as an Account Executive for KING Television before becoming National Sales Manager for KONG Television, both in Seattle.

Newman graduated from the University of Oregon earning B.S. degrees in marketing and management. She resides with her family in New York City.

News Corporation Restructures Fox Networks Group

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:10:25 +0000

News Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer Chase Carey today announced a restructuring of the Fox Networks Group (FNG) following Tony Vinciquerra’s decision to step down. Mr. Vinciquerra, who has served as Chairman and CEO of the group since 2002, will leave the Company on February 11.

“Tony has done an outstanding job building the Fox Networks Group into a powerful and important asset for the Company,” said Mr. Carey. “We are grateful for his leadership over the past decade and, while we will miss his guidance, we respect his decision to seek new challenges at this point in his career.”

“I’ve had an amazing decade at this company and am proud of the many accomplishments we’ve made as a team, particularly how we’ve worked together to evolve the retransmission consent landscape, changing the financial structure of broadcast television in America, while also building one of the industry’s most vibrant cable channel portfolios,” said Mr. Vinciquerra. “I will always be indebted to the talented team of people at this company, and to Rupert and Chase, for their continued guidance. It’s time for me to pursue a new, probably more entrepreneurial path, and I’m excited to see what unfolds before me.”

Following Mr. Vinciquerra’s departure, David Haslingden, CEO of Fox International Channels, will relocate to Los Angeles to assume the role of President and Chief Operating Officer of Fox Networks Group, reporting to Mr. Carey.

FNG executives, David Hill, Chairman and CEO of Fox Sports Media Group; Peter Rice, Chairman, Entertainment, Fox Networks Group; and Mike Hopkins, President of Affiliate Sales and Marketing for Fox Networks, will also report to Mr. Carey as part of the new structure.

David Haslingden, who has led the explosive growth of the Fox International Channels (FIC) as CEO since 2001, will be taking over most of Mr. Vinciquerra’s business responsibilities. In his new role as President and COO of FNG, Mr. Haslingden will oversee strategic business development, finance, legal, advertising sales and corporate functions across the group.

Hernan Lopez, who has been influential in shepherding the Company’s international cable channel growth, is being promoted to President and CEO of Fox International Channels, reporting to Mr. Haslingden.

Randy Freer and Eric Shanks, each of whom held separate president titles at FOX Sports, will now serve as Co-President and COOs of Fox Sports Media Group. The duo will take on direct responsibility for the sports cable channels, including Fox Soccer Channel, SPEED, FOX Deportes and FUEL TV, reporting to Mr. Hill. Mr. Shanks and Mr. Freer will also gain oversight of all digital ventures for the sports group.

Mr. Hill, who is considered one of the sports industry’s most creative and forward-thinking programmers, will expand his role to manage Fox’s oversight of the National Geographic Channels domestic joint venture and will take a seat on the National Geographic Channels board, along with Mr. Haslingden and Mr. Hopkins.

“Our networks group is one of the biggest growth drivers for our Company and we see considerable room for further innovation and development under this talented team of executives,” said Mr. Carey. “We believe this reorganization, with new and expanded roles for Haslingden, Hopkins, Lopez, Freer and Shanks, will provide our overall business with a clear, strategic focus and position us for even greater growth,” said Mr. Carey.

Mr. Rice will continue in his role as Chairman, Entertainment for the Fox Networks Group, with oversight of Fox Broadcasting Company and the FX Networks (FX and the Fox Movie Channel), led by Jon Landgraf.

Mr. Hopkins, who has played a key role in transforming the economics of the network television business and led the team that negotiated several significant retransmission consent agreements over the past year, will remain in his role as President of Affiliate Sales and Marketing for the cable channels and will take on responsibility for developing digital strategies for the networks of FNG. In addition, he will gain oversight of network distribution at Fox Broadcasting Company. Jon Hookstratten, who has successfully managed the Company’s affiliate relationships, and serves as Executive Vice President of Network Distribution, will report to Mr. Hopkins.