News Corp. Restructures TV Organization

Confirms B&C report that Peter Rice will oversee Fox and FX, David Hill will oversee all sports properties, both reporting to Tony Vinciquerra

By Alex Weprin -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/13/2010 1:39:12 PM

News Corp. is shaking up its television executive ranks, giving added responsibilities to entertainment chairman Peter Rice and Fox Sports chairman David Hill. The move was first reported by B&C Monday, Jan. 11, and confirmed by News Corp. today (Jan. 13).

In his new role, Rice will oversee FX and Fox Movie Channel, while Hill will oversee News Corp.'s 19 RSNs, as well as Fuel TV, Speed Network and Fox Soccer Channel. Both Rice and Hill will report to Fox Networks Group Chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra.

Rich Battista, the president of Fox National Cable Networks is in talks to assume a new role at the company.

"News Corporation is the world's leading content company with the country's number one broadcast network and powerful cable networks across the board.  We have great management teams driving these businesses," said News Corp. President and COO Chase Carey, announcing the moves. "This reorganization is not targeted at short term change, but at maintaining our momentum while better aligning us in key content areas for long term growth as we take these businesses to new heights over the coming years. Rich Battista is a valued member of this company and we hope to find a new opportunity for him in the near term."

"David Hill and Peter Rice are two of the most successful executives at our company," said Vinciquerra in a statement.  "Not only do I admire their creative prowess, but they have both done a tremendous job of growing their respective businesses and their continued leadership will place us in an enviable position as we move forward."