Fox’s Abernethy talks up consolidation

NATPE: Consolidation in the TV market allows companies to deal with “big industry issues,” according to Jack Abernethy, CEO of Fox Television Stations.

Jack Abernethy at Natpe Miami

“Consolidation is really good for the industry,” he told delegates at Natpe Miami on Wednesday. “It allows us to deal with some big industry issues like regulation, like next gen, like some of the complications of the sales process.”

The exec also said Fox had become a “simpler” business since its 2019 takeover by The Walt Disney Co, which he said had allowed it “to be nimble and more focused.”

Abernethy’s comments come after a big year for consolidation in US broadcast. As well as Disney’s Fox buy-out, one of many other takeovers included that of Tribune Media by Nexstar Media Group, whose own chief this week predicted more to come.