Jamie Horowitz’ career at Fox Sports has ended after a little more than two years. Fox Sports President Eric Shanks announced Horowitz’ departure via an internal email sent out around 10:00am PT on Monday. “We realize this news may come as a surprise for many of you, but we are confident in this decision,” the email read. “Everyone at FOX Sports, no matter what role we play, or what business, function or show we contribute to -- should act with respect and adhere to professional conduct at all times. These values are non-negotiable.” Fox already has taken Horowitz’s bio down from its website. The L.A. Times reports Horowitz’ dismissal comes amid a probe of sexual harassment at Fox Sports that started less than a week ago. Patricia Glaser, Horowitz’ attorney, told the L.A. Times, “The way Jamie has been treated by Fox is appalling. At no point in his tenure was there any mention by his superiors or human resources of any misconduct, or an inability to adhere to professional conduct. Jamie was hired by Fox to do a job that until today he was performing in exemplary fashion. Any slanderous accusations to the contrary will be vigorously defended.”
QUICK DEPARTURE: Horowitz joined Fox Sports in April '15 as President of National Networks, and he immediately made changes to FS1's lineup, bringing in his “Embrace Debate” strategy that he used at ESPN. He lured on-air personalities like Colin Cowherd and Skip Bayless from ESPN to anchor the net's shows. The net saw its afternoon ratings rise during that year, but they still were way behind ESPN. He also took over Fox Sports Digital in October and recently laid off much of its editorial staff to focus editorial content largely based around video and the network’s personalities. Shanks will seek a replacement for Horowitz. He will handle Horowitz’ responsibilities until then, and FS1 programming, marketing and scheduling and digital will report directly to him. Horowitz made a name for himself at ESPN, where he first put the “Embrace Debate” strategy into the network’s afternoon line-up. He left ESPN in '14 to take over NBC’s “Today” show. Horowitz was fired from that role before he officially started amid rumors that he clashed with several members of the show’s staff.
SHANKS MEMO TO STAFF: Below is the internal email Shanks sent to Fox employees Monday:
Dear Colleagues:
I regret to inform you that Jamie Horowitz, President of National Networks for FOX Sports, will be leaving FOX Sports effective immediately. We realize this news may come as a surprise for many of you, but we are confident in this decision.
Everyone at FOX Sports, no matter what role we play, or what business, function or show we contribute to -- should act with respect and adhere to professional conduct at all times. These values are non-negotiable.
Until Jamie’s replacement is named, I am stepping in to handle his former responsibilities including programming, marketing and scheduling for FS1 and FS2, as well as digital. All of these functions will now report directly to me.
We understand how difficult this will be for many of you, but in these times it is important that we remain unwavering and focused in continuing the great work of FOX Sports.
Best,
Eric
OUR TAKE: Horowitz’ sudden departure from Fox Sports is the topic of the latest SBJ/SBD podcast. Executive Editor Abe Madkour and Media Reporter John Ourand discuss how the move affects FS1 and what changes viewers can expect over the next several months.
