Another Change at News Corp. as TV Executive Steps Down

August 16, 2012, 10:55 am

By AMY CHOZICK

In the latest change at News Corporation before the company splits off its publishing businesses from its entertainment assets, David Haslingden, a long-time television executive who ran the Fox Networks Group is stepping down.
The media company said Wednesday that Mr. Haslingden, who has served as president of the unit that includes Fox Broadcasting, Fox's regional sports channels and the National Geographic cable channels, since January 2011, will leave at the end of the year. News Corporation expects regulators to approve its separation within the next twelve months.
Mr. Haslingden, a 20-year veteran of News Corporation, worked closely with Rupert Murdoch's son, James Murdoch, to oversee Fox's intern ational cable channels business, seen as a bright spot for the $50 billion media company.
The company said in a statement that Mr. Haslingden planned to move back to Australia to spend more time with his family. “My family is by far my greatest love, and being away from them for almost two years is long enough,” he said in a statement.
His resignation is the latest in a series of changes within the company.      Last month, News Corporation named Peter Rice chairman and chief executive of the Fox Networks Group, making him the company's top television executive. Mr. Haslingden would have reported to Mr. Rice.
David Hill, chief executive of Fox Sports, was named senior vice president of News Corporation, a position that would enable him to focus on larger companywide digital and programming initiatives worldwide.
Mr. Haslingden replaced Tony Vinciquerra after he stepped down last year. He had previously overseen the Fo x International Channels and relocated to Los Angeles for the job.
“Since joining News Corporation, David has been a driving force in the evolution of the pay-TV industry in every corner of the world,” Chase Carey, president and chief operating officer of News Corporation said in a statement.