DIS Walt Disney Co

By Joe Flint 

21st Century Fox has tapped AMC Networks executive Charlie Collier to become chief executive of entertainment for the new "Fox" entity that will be formed when the company completes its pending sale of assets to Walt Disney Co.

As entertainment CEO, Mr. Collier will have oversight of the Fox Broadcasting unit of new Fox and lead its programming strategy. Besides Fox Broadcasting, new Fox assets include the Fox News and Fox Business channels and Fox Sports.

At AMC Networks Inc., Mr. Collier was president of the AMC cable channel, its production studio and the Sundance TV channel. He oversaw AMC during a time of tremendous growth in popularity thanks to original shows such as "Mad Men" and "Breaking Bad."

"Charlie is a singular talent, combining creative success with operational expertise to lead the AMC Network with some of television's most memorable programming," said Fox Chief Executive Lachlan Murdoch.

Mr. Collier will report to Mr. Murdoch.

Best known for its animated hits "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy" and its drama "9-1-1" about first responders, the Fox network has been shifting its programming strategy as of late to feature more live sports programming. Fox struck a deal for rights to Thursday night football this season and will also start carrying the WWE show "Smackdown" next October. It also recently reached an agreement to carry boxing starting this December.

21st Century Fox and News Corp, parent company of The Wall Street Journal, share common ownership.

So far this season, Fox is off to a decent start in the ratings. Besides a boost from Thursday night football, its new Friday night lineup featuring the comedies "Last Man Standing" and "Cool Kids" has performed well.

Still, Mr. Collier will face challenges in his new role. Among the assets 21st Century Fox is selling to Disney is its television production studio, which is the biggest supplier of content to the network. The other major networks including Disney's ABC and Comcast Corp.'s NBC have their own production units. While Fox can make shows on its own, it will likely have to acquire most of its content from outside suppliers.

In a statement, Mr. Collier said the new Fox "combines the power and reach of a broadcast division, some of the best live assets on the planet from which to build entertainment audiences and fan engagement, and a proven leadership team with a 'make new rules' start-up mentality."

Mr. Collier is the last major hire for new Fox. Other senior executives include John Nallen, the 21st Century Fox chief financial officer who will be chief operating officer at new Fox and Viet Dinh, who stepped down from the 21st Century Fox board to become chief legal and policy officer. Also, former White House communications director Hope Hicks was named chief communications officer.

Dana Walden and Gary Newman, the Chairmen and CEOs of the Fox Television Group, will stay in their current roles until the close of the transaction. Ms. Walden is leaving for a senior role at Walt Disney Co. Mr. Newman said he plans to purse his own opportunities.

AMC Networks didn't immediately name a replacement for Mr. Collier who chief operating officer Ed Carroll praised for helping to build "AMC into a powerful brand and force in original programming. The company's other senior executives include Dave Madden, a former Fox Broadcasting executive who joined a year ago as president of programming for the AMC assets.

Write to Joe Flint at joe.flint@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 19, 2018 20:30 ET (00:30 GMT)

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