News Corp. Shaking Up TV Execs

Peter Rice, David Hill expected to amass more power

By Ben Grossman -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/11/2010 5:19:22 PM

News Corp. is considering a restructuring of its television division that is expected to a see a re-shuffling of duties among top executives, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation. 

While details are still being finalized, Peter Rice is expected to assume greater control over the entertainment assets, including the cable side, while David Hill will gain greater power on the sports side.

According to those sources, Fox National Cable Networks President Rich Battista could end up either being reassigned within the company or no longer with the company.

The cable networks, including FX chief John Landgraf, would report directly into Peter Rice, while the regional sports networks, including chief Randy Freer, would fall under the umbrella of Hill.

Still being determined are changes -- if any -- to the role of Fox Networks Group chairman Tony Vinciquerra, a highly-regarded News Corp and industry veteran who championed the successful battle with Time Warner for retransmission consent cash at the end of last year. Both Rice and Hill report to Vinciquerra.

(Updated last paragraph at 2:55 PT to further define Vinciquerra's continuing role)