Big changes at Fox

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With right-hand man Peter Chernin soon to exit, Rupert Murdoch is shaking up top management at News Corporation’s Fox businesses. Peter Liguori is exiting as Fox Broadcasting Chairman of Entertainment, with cable boss Tony Vinciquerra, Chairman of the Fox Networks Group, picking up responsibility as well for Fox Broadcasting programming.


“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,” Murdoch said in a statement announcing the changes.

Peter Rice, currently President of Fox Searchlight, will exit his post at the specialty label and take on Liguori’s former title as Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting, but he will report to Vinciquerra.

“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,” Murdoch said.

On the studio side, 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. Twentieth Century Fox Television Chairmen Gary Newman and Dana Walden will report to Gianopulos and Rothman. Emiliano Calemzuk, President of Fox Television Studios, will report to Newman and Walden.

Vinciquerra, Gianopulos and Rothman will all report directly to Chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch. Peter Levinsohn, President of Fox Interactive Media, will also report directly to 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 Murdoch.

What’s the goal of the restructuring?

“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,” Murdoch declared.