As part of a consolidation of the sales operations of
Fox's 22 TV stations and its 11 RSNs under the direction of
Fox TV Stations Chair Mitch Stern, two senior Fox O&O execs
"have been promoted to newly created posts overseeing sales
and station operations," according to Nellie Andreeva of the
HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. The "merging of Fox's local sports
sales divisions follows the industry trend of streamlining
previously distinct advertising sales units within such
major media companies as Fox, ABC and CBS." Jim Burke was
promoted to President of Sales of Fox TV Stations and RSNs
after serving as Exec VP/Sales & Marketing since '96, while
Thomas Herwitz was named Fox TV Stations President of
Station Operations. In his new role, Burke will oversee
local ad sales, marketing and program scheduling for Fox's
RSNs, while continuing to supervise ad sales for Fox-owned
broadcast stations. Andreeva writes that the "merging of
the sales division is expected to be complete by July 1."
In addition, "by the end of the year, the sports network and
the local O&Os will also merge the content and sales of
their Web sites" (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 4/28). Stern, on the
consolidation: "Instead of competing against one another ...
these two departments will allow the stations to present
unique packages to advertisers" (DAILY VARIETY, 4/28).
