Walden, Newman to head Fox Broadcasting
July 15, 2014
21st Century Fox has confirmed it is combining its broadcasting company and studio group into one business.
Two veteran Fox executives, Gary Newman and Dana Walden, who together have led the 20th Century Fox Television studios group for the last 15 years, will lead the new Fox Television Group as joint chairmen and chief executives.
The broadcaster is facing stark challenges after a steep decline in the ratings success of American Idol. In May, Fox announced that Kevin Reilly was stepping down after seven years as head of entertainment programming. He had more than two years remaining on his contract.
Newman and Walden both have worked at Fox for more than two decades. During their tenure, the studio has made a number of hit Fox series, including Glee and The Simpsons.
In their new positions, effective later this month, they will continue to lead the studios group and also oversee programming, marketing, digital and other functions for the Fox broadcast network.