no time to do any real thinking on this and I didn’t see Kevin Reilly’s name mentioned anywhere, but here’s the release from FOX.
News Corporation Announces Restructuring at Fox Businesses Film and Television Production Businesses to be combined in a single unit under Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman Television Networks to be combined into single unit under Tony Vinciquerra
Peter Rice to Become Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting as Peter Liguori Steps Down
Los Angeles, CA, March 12. 2009 – News Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rupert Murdoch today announced a restructuring of the Los Angeles-based Fox businesses to capitalize on management strength and to position the businesses for future creative and economic growth.
“We have – simply put — the best management team in the entertainment industry. Today’s restructuring, by removing barriers between businesses, will enable us to better share ideas and resources, allowing us to make the most of this team and the talent that populates our ranks,” Mr. Murdoch said.
Beginning immediately, the Los Angeles-based creative production divisions will be combined under a single unit reporting to Jim
Gianopulos and Tom Rothman, co-chairmen of Fox Filmed Entertainment, whose leadership has propelled the studio to record breaking profits during their lengthy tenure with the company. Twentieth Century Fox Television chairmen Gary Newman and Dana Walden will report to Mr. Gianopulos and Mr. Rothman. Emiliano Calemzuk, president of Fox Television Studios, will report to Mr. Newman and Ms. Walden.
On the television network side of the business, Tony Vinciquerra, chairman of the Fox Networks Group, will continue to head the cable networks, the business aspects of FOX Broadcasting, Fox International Channels, and will gain responsibility for FOX Broadcasting programming. Mr. Vinciquerra has been a key architect of Fox’s tremendous growth in cable over the past decade.
As part of the restructuring of the network business, Peter Liguori will be stepping down as chairman of entertainment, Fox Broadcasting, effective immediately. Peter Rice, president of Fox Searchlight, will exit his post at the specialty label, and take on the role of chairman of entertainment, Fox Broadcasting, reporting to Mr. Vinciquerra.
“Peter Liguori has been an outstanding Fox executive, not only in leading FBC for three seasons, but in his groundbreaking programming that helped build FX into a general entertainment leader. We wish him continued success,” Mr. Murdoch said.
“Peter Rice is one of our most talented creative executives, having championed such films as Slumdog Millionaire, Little Miss Sunshine, and Juno during his tenure at Fox Searchlight. As we increasingly look to apply unconventional approaches to our traditional businesses, I’m convinced Peter Rice is the right person to transform our broadcast television business.”
With Mr. Rice’s departure at Fox Searchlight, Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula will jointly run the business, reporting to Mr. Gianopulos and Mr. Rothman. Nancy and Steve, COOs of Fox Searchlight, who have been Mr. Rice’s partners through all of the unit’s great successes, will assume full authority for the business. Claudia Lewis, president of production, remains in place.
Mr. Gianopulos, Mr. Rothman, and Mr. Vinciquerra will report directly to Mr. Murdoch. Peter Levinsohn, president of Fox Interactive Media, will also report directly to Mr. Murdoch. Roger Ailes, chairman and CEO of FOX News Channel and Fox Business Network and chairman of the Fox Television Stations and Twentieth Television, will continue to report to Mr. Murdoch.
News Corporation (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) had total assets as of December 31, 2008 of approximately US$50 billion and total annual revenues of approximately US$33 billion. News Corporation is a diversified global media company with operations in eight industry segments: filmed entertainment; television; cable network programming; direct broadcast satellite television; magazines and inserts; newspapers and information services; book publishing; and other. The activities of News Corporation are conducted principally in the United States, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and Latin America.
Country music star Carrie Underwood’s rendition of “Home Sweet Home” isn’t so sweet for the millions of sportsmen who will be attacked by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) after they make money off the tune.
According to Carrie Underwood’s official website, the song is going to be used each week on the hit television show when a contestant is voted off.
Unfortunately, Underwood has made clear that a portion of the proceeds from subsequent sales of that song will go to benefit the largest anti-hunting organization in the nation, HSUS. This will give HSUS even more money to direct towards bowhunters, hunters, anglers, and trappers nationwide.
“Carrie Underwood has decided to use her talents to benefit an organization dedicated to destroying the rights of thousands of her fans. “HSUS does not operate or oversee animal shelters; it is a radical organization that seeks to end hunting and other responsible uses of animals in America.”
Your indirect support of HSUS, is not appreciated.
Companies such as Iams, General Mills, Accor Hotels, Pet Safe, Sears, Meijer Inc, and Ace Hardware ended relationships with HSUS after thousands of sportsmen levied strong protest.
I for one along with the thousands in South Dakota alone, will cease to be a fan of Carrie Underwood and FOX Broadcasting Company, if this continues. We cannot continue to support anyone that does not take the entire situation and our hunting desires to heart.
Robert Johnson