Randy Freer Named President, Fox Networks

Randy Freer has been elevated to the new position of president and chief operating officer of Fox Networks Group (FNG), it was announced today by Peter Rice, chairman-CEO, to whom he will report.  In his new position, the company said, Freer will have “a broad strategic and operational role across FNG and directly oversee revenue, distribution and operations while continuing his responsibilities in rights acquisitions and team and league relationships.” FNG includes Fox Broadcasting Co., Fox Sports, FX Networks, Fox International Channels and National Geographic Channels.  Freer previously was co-president and COO, Fox Sports Media Group.

“Randy is an outstanding executive and having played a key role in growing our powerhouse television sports business, he brings impressive skills as both an operator and builder of businesses,” said Rice.  “He will be a key partner for me in overseeing and driving continued growth of our global channels business which spans nearly 400 channels in 200 countries.”

In connection with the appointment, the following executives will now report to Freer: Michael Biard, president, distribution, Fox Networks; Toby Byrne, president, national ad sales, Fox Broadcasting Co., Fox Sports Media Group; Lou LaTorre, president, advertising sales, Fox Cable Entertainment Networks, Fox Hispanic Media Group; and Kyle Sherman, EVP, Home Team Sports.

FNG finance and business development, corporate communications, legal and human resources functions will report jointly to Rice and Freer.

Eric Shanks, who ran Fox Sports Media Group alongside Freer, will assume sole responsibility for the group as its president- COO and report to Rice. Also continuing to report to Rice will be John Landgraf, CEO, FX Networks and FX Productions; Hernan Lopez, president-CEO, Fox International Channels; David Lyle, CEO, National Geographic Channels U.S. and global programming; and Kevin Reilly, chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Co.

Freer has held various senior executive positions at Fox since first joining the company in 1997. Prior being named co-president-COO of Fox Sports Media Group in 2011, he was president, and before that COO, of Fox Sports Networks.  Prior to joining Fox, he was SVP, business affairs at Active Entertainment, an animation syndication firm, and held executive roles at Turner Broadcasting over a nine-year tenure.

In addition to his executive responsibilities, Freer serves on the board of directors for BTN (formerly Big Ten Network) and the After School All Stars, which provides comprehensive after-school programs that keep children safe and help them succeed in school and life.