Abbey White
Staff Writer
Kevin Reilly, chairman of FOX Entertainment, has officially resigned from his position. Known for launching breakout hits Glee and New Girl, Reilly has already begun to assist the network in its search for a successor. Reilly’s pre-existing exec team will report to Peter Rice, Fox Networks Group CEO, for the time being.
The move happened at an odd time, only two weeks after FOX’s upfronts presentation. The company unveiled its new fall schedule for its advertisers, in addition to announcing new approaches to producing creative content. This included moving beyond traditional season scheduling, canceling pilot season, and increasing diversity within its shows.
In spite of its successes with Sleepy Hollow and Brooklyn Nine Nine, FOX struggled to maintain its ratings with other staples Glee, American Idol and The Following. While the broadcast network is set to rank second in key demos, on par with last season’s performance, it finished fourth in overall viewers this year.
However, ratings may not be entirely to blame for Reilly’s departure, for it is clear FOX — like its fellow broadcast networks — is struggling to adapt amidst the changing ways we watch television.
TV Guide reported on Reilly’s statement regarding his departure. “Peter [Rice] 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 FBC ranks, it felt like the timing was as right as it could be.”
In that very same statement, Reilly also praised his experiences with the network and company. “21st Century Fox is 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 and I am grateful to have benefited from the leadership of Peter Rice, Chase Carey and Rupert Murdoch.”
Reilly continued, “I couldn’t be more thankful to my team – a group of creative, tireless and fun people whose fellowship I will miss.”
In 2007, after previous stints at NBC and FX where he was involved with launching hit series The Shield, The Office, and Friday Night Lights, Kevin Reilly joined FOX. He was promoted to Chairman of Entertainment in 2012.
Are you sad to see him go? Do you have an idea or preference to his successor? Let us know in the comments!
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