DAVID WERTHEIMER NAMED PRESIDENT, DIGITAL, FOX BROADCASTING COMPANY
Former President of Paramount Digital Entertainment and
CEO of USC Entertainment Technology Center to Drive Digital Strategy
and Social TV Efforts For FOX
Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) has appointed David Wertheimer President, Digital, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, FOX President of Entertainment. In this newly created role, Wertheimer will report to Reilly and will be responsible for the network's strategy, operations and ventures in digital entertainment and emerging media platforms, including online viewing, websites, apps, games, digital network incubation and audience engagement through social networks.
One of the media industry's leading experts on digital entertainment, digital distribution and audience engagement, Wertheimer's hire underscores FOX's commitment to creating and maximizing value for the company's product in the digital marketplace. As President, Digital, for the broadcast network, Wertheimer will interface with Fox Networks Group and News Corp. leaders in building new digital platforms and sharing best practices.
"We are taking significant steps forward in engaging our FOX audience across the digital and social realms and David is the ideal person to help us envision and realize the amazing potential that presents," said Reilly. "I've known David for over 10 years and have always been impressed with his keen understanding of the intersection between technology and culture. He has a unique skill set - a demonstrated expertise in the digital and tech businesses, experience within a traditional media company and passion for television - all of which make him the ideal guy to guide our strategy in this increasingly vital area."
"This is an unprecedented time to be in digital entertainment, and I am really thrilled to be joining FOX. Peter Rice, Kevin Reilly and the team at FOX share my belief that anytime/anywhere access, combined with social media, creates a tremendous opportunity for the network, its partners and fans of the shows," said Wertheimer. "FOX's programming, marketing and distribution leadership provides an unparalleled springboard for consuming and engaging with content on digital devices and for driving the future of Social TV."
Wertheimer joins FOX from the Entertainment Technology Center @ USC (ETC), where he was CEO and Executive Director of the strategic think-tank funded by leading movie studios, TV networks and leading technology and services companies. At the ETC, he served as a strategic resource to many of the media and entertainment industry's top senior executives and helped bring companies together to collaborate on projects of joint interest related to the creation, distribution and consumption of entertainment content. In addition, Wertheimer created the
Anytime/Anywhere Content Lab and the Social Entertainment Lab at the ETC - both valuable resources that have helped digital entertainment stakeholders examine and develop solutions based on the next generation consumer point of view. Wertheimer will remain actively engaged in the Entertainment Technology Center's efforts, joining ETC's board as FOX's board member.
Wertheimer previously served as the first President of Paramount Digital Entertainment and founded WireBreak Entertainment, one of the earliest digital content distribution and television production companies. He was Executive Director of the Institute for Creative Technologies at USC, co-founded RL LEADERS and held a senior digital entertainment market development position at Oracle. Wertheimer also worked for many years for Steve Jobs at NeXT in various sales and marketing capacities.
About Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company is a unit of News Corporation and the leading broadcast television network among Adults 18-49. FOX finished the 2010-2011 season at No. 1 in the key adult demographic for the seventh consecutive year - a feat that has never been achieved in broadcast history - while continuing to dominate all network competition in the more targeted Adults 18-34 and Teen demographics. FOX airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week as well as late-night entertainment programming, major sports and Sunday morning news.
|