Fox entertainment chief exits

Kevin Reilly, chairman of entertainment at US broadcast network Fox, will leave his job by the end of June.

Kevin Reilly

Fox said that until a replacement is announced Reilly’s senior executives will report to Fox Networks Group chairman and CEO Peter Rice.

Speculation about Reilly’s successor has already thrown up potential internal candidates including Fox Broadcasting chief operating officer Joe Earley, 20th Century Fox Television co-chairman Dana Walden and FX Networks CEO John Landgraf.

Reilly himself has indicated that he is now likely to move into the cable or digital arena – he previously did a stint at Fox’s FX cable channel – rather than stay in broadcast network television.

In a memo to staff, Reilly said the move was his decision, which comes midway through his contract and after a ratings slide for Fox caused by steep declines for unscripted series American Idol and The X Factor.

For the just-concluded 2013/14 primetime season Fox finished second out of five broadcast networks in the 18-49 demographic, but that performance was attributed mainly to coverage of American football games including the Super Bowl. The network finished the season fourth in total viewers with MasterChef Junior and Sleepy Hollow as its only new hits.

Reilly segued from president of entertainment at NBC to the same job at Fox in 2007. He presided over the launch of shows including Glee and The New Girl that helped the network achieve a run of season ratings victories.

Reilly was promoted to chairman of entertainment in August 2012 and recently led the network’s push to move away from the traditional pilot season programme development model, a push referred to in his staff memo with the parting shot: “PS – Don’t go back to pilot season!”

In a statement, Reilly described Fox parent 21st Century Fox as “a great company that has provided me with choice seats at the head table of pop culture over two very rewarding stints both at FBC and FX.

“I am grateful to have benefitted from the leadership of Peter Rice, Chase Carey and Rupert Murdoch. Peter and I have been discussing this transition for a while, and now with a robust new slate of programming for next season and strength in the Fox Broadcasting Co ranks, it felt like the timing was as right as it could be. I couldn’t be more thankful to my team – a group of creative, tireless and fun people whose fellowship I will miss.”

Rice added: “Kevin’s undeniable creative gift and passion for talent have left an indelible mark on our company, and we’re extremely grateful to him for his leadership, beginning with The Shield and Nip/Tuck at FX and continuing through Glee, New Girl, The Following, Sleepy Hollow and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”