David Hill is leaving Fox Sports for a new job at News Corp., the company announced late this afternoon as part of a restructuring of its media and entertainment properties. Hill, who launched Fox Sports in '93, becomes News Corp. Senior Exec VP, where he will focus on programming and digital initiatives across Latin America, Asia, Australia, Europe and the U.S. Fox Sports co-Presidents & COOs Randy Freer and Eric Shanks, who had reported to Hill, now will report to Peter Rice, who was promoted to Fox Networks Group Chair & CEO. Rice appears to be the clear winner in the restructuring, as Fox Networks Group President of Distribution Mike Hopkins and President & COO David Haslingden now will report to him. Both execs had reported to News Corp. President & COO Chase Carey. Fox Broadcasting's Entertainment President Kevin Reilly and FX President John Landgraf will continue to report to Rice. Hill, who has been Fox Sports Chair & CEO since '99, will continue to be based in L.A.
In the News Corp. release, Hill said, "After 30 years spent building our sports businesses into global leaders, I've been eager to dive into a broader role that enables me to hunt down untapped programming, investment and digital opportunities all over the world. From sports rights in emerging markets to new overseas digital channels, this new role will allow me to explore and experiment with new programming concepts across the whole of News Corporation in a completely new way. I am immensely proud of the work we've done to revolutionize the television business, both in the U.S. and in Europe, and I leave Fox Sports in an amazing position, with a great team in place led by Randy and Eric."
