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Kevin Reilly Promoted to Chairman of Entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX)

On Monday, August 20, 2012 FOX announced that Kevin Reilly has been promoted to Chairman of Entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), it was announced by Peter Rice, Chairman and CEO, Fox Networks Group. In his new role, Reilly will oversee all programming, scheduling, marketing, research, digital and business affairs at the network.

“Kevin is a uniquely gifted executive with the strong strategic vision and creative instincts to ensure that FOX continues to drive the future of our industry,” said Rice. “We are incredibly fortunate to have him here and thrilled he will be with us for many more years.”

Over the course of Reilly’s tenure, FOX has extended its reign as the No. 1 network among Adults 18-49 for a record eight consecutive seasons and has repeatedly dominated among the young Adults 18-34 and Teen demographics. Under his leadership, the network launched Emmy Award-nominated and Golden Globe Award-winning pop culture phenomenon GLEE, and most recently introduced NEW GIRL, the network’s highest-rated sitcom in 10 years, as well as THE X FACTOR, last season’s No. 1 new unscripted series.

Reilly has also bolstered FOX’s leadership and investment in digital and social media, and was the architect behind the recently launched Animation Domination HD – an independent production subsidiary now ramping up production to generate alternative animation for digital channels and a late-night block on FOX.

“I am grateful to Peter for extending my role at FOX where I’m inspired every day by the incredible leadership of Joe Earley, Mike Darnell and our entire team at the network – as well as the leadership above us at News Corporation,” said Reilly. “This is a transformative time in our industry – one that presents huge opportunities – and we intend for FOX, and all of our programming, to remain the gold standard for innovation.”

Throughout his career, Reilly has distinguished himself as one of television’s most influential and forward-thinking leaders. Prior to joining FOX in 2007, Reilly served as President of Entertainment at NBC, where he introduced popular hits such as “The Office,” “The Biggest Loser,” “Heroes,” “Friday Night Lights” and the multi-award-winning Tina Fey sitcom, “30 Rock.” Reilly joined NBC from FX, where he served as President of Entertainment and was instrumental in successfully transforming it from a fledgling cable network into a profitable creative powerhouse. At FX, Reilly re-defined the basic cable business by branding the network with an aggressive slate of original quality programs, including seminal series “The Shield” and “Nip/Tuck.”  Within a year of Reilly’s arrival, FX made cable history when “The Shield” broke cable ratings records and went on to receive a Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Series (2002) and an Emmy Award for lead actor Michael Chiklis (2002) – both firsts for basic cable.

Prior to joining FX, Mr. Reilly was President of Brillstein-Grey Entertainment. He joined Brillstein-Grey in 1994 and was responsible for shepherding the pilot for the landmark series “The Sopranos” – one of the most successful and critically acclaimed shows in television history – and the NBC hit comedies “Just Shoot Me” and “NewsRadio.”

Early in his career, Reilly held a variety of positions at NBC Entertainment, where he had a hand in the development of distinctive and groundbreaking hits, including the pilots for “ER,” “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Law & Order.”

About Fox Networks Group:
Fox Networks Group is a primary operating unit of News Corporation (NASDAQ:NWS) and consists of Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), FOX Sports Media Group, the company’s national and regional cable programming services, FOX International Channels and Fox Networks Engineering & Operations. These units produce, program and transmit much of America’s most popular entertainment, sports and information content via more than 40 owned-and-operated TV networks, video on demand and other media platforms. FOX is America’s most popular network; Fox Networks Group cable channels span FX, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo Mundo, Fox Movie Channel, FUEL TV, FSN and 21 regional cable sports networks, SPEED, SPEED2, FOX Soccer Channel, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX College Sports, FOX Deportes, Utilisima, Baby TV, BTN (co-venture with the Big Ten Conference), BTN2Go; and FOX International Channels featuring U.S. Spanish-language broadcast net MundoFox, in addition to more than 350 networks delivered in 35 languages across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The division also includes Fox Sports Enterprises, which manages interests in sports franchises and leading statistical information provider STATS, LLC.

Source: Fox Broadcasting Company and Fox Networks Group
Photo credit to: Jill Greenberg/FOX

News Corporation Statement on Consideration to Restructure Company Assets

NEW YORK, NY – June 26, 2012 – News Corporation confirmed today that it is considering a restructuring to separate its business into two distinct publicly traded companies.

About News Corporation:
News Corporation (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) had total assets as of March 31, 2012 of approximately US$61 billion and total annual revenues of approximately US$34 billion. News Corporation is a diversified global media company with operations in six industry segments: cable network programming; filmed entertainment; television; direct broadcast satellite television; publishing; and other. The activities of News Corporation are conducted principally in the United States, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and Latin America.



ADDITIONAL NEWS CORPORATION INFORMATION:
News Corporation’s Cable Network Programming segment produces and licenses programming for distribution on cable television systems and direct broadcast satellite platforms in the U.S and Asia. The segment’s expansive operations include the FOX News Channel and FOX Business Network, FX, STAR and many other popular pay-TV channels.

News Corporation’s motion picture and television programming operations bring the best in comedy and drama to audiences around the globe.

Fox Filmed Entertainment is a global leader in movie production and distribution. Twentieth Century Fox Film is responsible for some of the top grossing movies of all time, including history’s most successful movies, Avatar and Titanic.

In television production, Twentieth Century Fox Television, together with the Company’s other TV studios, produce and distribute some of the world’s most popular television programming. The Company’s TV studios are leaders in animated series and supply many of the most popular series to each of the major U.S. networks.

News Corporation’s television operations capture more viewers, more desirable demographics and more awards than perhaps any other television group in the world.

Its businesses include the FOX Broadcasting Company, which is the number one network in the United States; the 27 stations in the Fox Television Stations group and various television operations throughout the world.

News Corporation wholly owns Italy’s most popular pay-TV company, SKY Italia, which has more than 4 million subscribers. The Company also has significant holdings in British Sky Broadcasting, the U.K.’s largest digital pay-TV platform reaching a third of all homes and a leading broadcaster of sports, movies, entertainment and news; Germany’s leading Sky Deutschland; Asia’s TATA SKY and FOXTEL in Australia and New Zealand.

The Publishing segment encompasses our world-leading English-language newspapers and their digital brands, including three national news brands in the U.K., almost 150 national, capital city and suburban news brands in Australia, the New York Post and Community Newspaper Group in the U.S., and The Wall Street Journal and its many related publications in the U.S., Europe and Asia; Dow Jones and its information services business; HarperCollins, one of the world’s pre-eminent English-language book publishers, headquartered in New York City; and News America Marketing, which publishes free-standing inserts and in-store marketing products and services in North America that reach hundreds of millions of shoppers.

News Corporation’s Other assets include several next generation media properties; hulu, a joint venture with NBC Universal and Disney that is the leading online video site helping people find and enjoy the world’s premium video content when, where and how they want it.

Source: http://www.newscorp.com
Graphic credit to: News Corporation

Student Filmmaker’s, Civic & Visionary Honorees Honored at 19th Annual MMPA Oscar Week

On Friday, February 24, 2012 The Multicultural Motion Picture Association hosted their 19th Annual Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Civic Awards.  The lunch and award show was hosted by Radio and TV Personality Sam Phillips.

The event was held at Sofitel Los Angeles from11:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The Civic and Visionary Honorees for the 19th Annual MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Civic Awards Recipients are Viola Davis (2012 Oscar Nominee), Octavia Spencer (2012 Oscar Nominee), Kami Zargham McAdam (Award Winning Photograher/Filmmaker), Bobbie Chance (Actress/Acting Coach) and George Zakk (Producer). The Student Filmmaker’s Finalists from The LA Film School are: William Rouse, Justin Benson, Jamel Benson, Anthony Mitchell, Daemon Stashko, Yoshi Tran and Joseph Schmitz.

The Student Filmmakers and honorees present made public speeches of appreciation and including Academy Award Nominee Sally Kirkland did a speech at the event.

Pam Schmid (Actor, speaker, author), Recording Artist Fawn, book author John Palisano, Recording Artist Arnold G, Actress Bai Ling were among the notable guests at the event.

There was live entertainment performance by Recording Artist Izzy Chait and Band, a red carpet, scholarship and civic awards presentation, lunch and official gift bags.

As a part of the annual afternoon affair, awards are presented annually, to filmmakers selected for their creative achievements, vision and technical talent, and in addition to financial awards toward their tuition, film companies traditionally arrange gifts of technical support for scholarship recipients.

In previous year honorees were Oscar Winner Sandra Bullock, Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett Jr., Oscar Nominee Ruby Dee, Academy Nominee Sally Kirkland, Kate Linder (Actress, Philanthropist), Renee’ Valente (Producer, Valente Productions), Michelle Phillips (Actress, Singer) and A.C. Lyles (Paramount Pictures).

Some of the event sponsors were American Society of Young Musicians, Sofitel LA Luxury Hotels, World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations, Diversity News Magazine, A&G Entertainment Productions, Hot Talk LA, Rose Breast Cancer Society, Sherwood Florist and many more.

Some of The Multicultural Motion Picture Association executive committee are: Rita Moreno, Rupert Murdoch, Edward James Olmos, Oliver Stone, Sally Kirkland, Dr. Mark Valinsky and City of Los Angeles Mayor Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa.

About The Multicultural Motion Picture Association: 
The MMPA is a 501 © 3 non-profit* arts organization that provides scholarships annually to a certain number of qualified film students and trade guild apprentices who have shown dedication and talent for furthering their studies in the cinematic arts. The MMPA’s annual Oscar Week Luncheon is always a highly anticipated afternoon event amid sumptuous mid-day dining where talented young filmmakers intermingle with Academy Award® nominees and studio executives. The MMPA utilizes committed individuals who bring their skills and commitment to schools, as well as youth and civic organizations, where teens and young adults need career mentoring, coupled with equipment and technical support. The Multicultural Motion Picture Association is also the producer of the Diversity Awards. For more information visit http://www.thediversityawards.org

*Not a verified charity organization, please check with your State Attorney General and Secretary of State for non profit status.

Sources: Diversity News Magazine, Diversity News TV & World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations

Photo credit to: Carlos Zeron and Sonny Sun for Diversity News Magazine & Diversity News Publications.

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications was the event official media partner sponsor and World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations as the media event coordinator providing marketing and public relations services.

Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer to receive honor at 19th MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon & Awards

On Thursday, February 23, 2012 The Multicultural Motion Picture Association announced the Civic and Visionary Honorees for the 19th Annual MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Civic Awards. The Civic and Visionary Awards Recipients are Viola Davis (2012 Oscar Nominee), Octavia Spencer (2012 Oscar Nominee), Kami Zargham McAdam (Award Winning Photograher/Filmmaker), Bobbie Chance (Actress/Acting Coach) and George Zakk (Producer).

The event will be held at prestigious and luxury Sofitel Hotel Los Angeles located at 8555 Beverly Boulevard in Beverly Hills, CA 90048 on Friday, February 24, 2012, from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. The event will feature live entertainment performance by Recording Artist Izzy Chait and Band, a red carpet, scholarship and civic awards presentation, lunch and official gift bags. The event to be hosted by Radio and TV Personality Sam Phillips.

As previous announced Student Filmmaker’s finalists are William Rouse, Justin Benson, Jamel Benson, Anthony Mitchell, Daemon Stashko, Yoshi Tran and Joseph Schmitz.

As a part of the annual afternoon affair, awards are presented annually, to filmmakers selected for their creative achievements, vision and technical talent, and in addition to financial awards toward their tuition, film companies traditionally arrange gifts of technical support scholarship recipients.

Per the MMPA, a dual purpose in recognizing these outstanding individuals is the ability to benefit the Multicultural Motion Picture Association’s Educational and Development Scholarship Fund. This fund was established by their Executive Committee as a means of helping underprivileged students seeking entry into the film and television professions, develop and foster quality education, leadership, and talent.

The scholarship committee funds and matches students with mentors at production companies, trade guilds, and with directors, as they gain further knowledge and entry into their chosen disciplines in the motion picture industry. The MMPA utilizes committed individuals who bring their skills and commitment to schools, as well as youth and civic organizations, where teens and young adults need career mentoring, coupled with equipment and technical support.

They have announced that some of the attending and invited guests for the afternoon are Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett Jr., Academy Award Nominee Sally Kirkland, Dr. Mark Valinsky (Actor Producer, MMPA Board Member), Pam Schmid (Actor, speaker, author), Demian Lichtenstein, Fawn (Actress, Recording Artist), Actress Bai Ling and many 2012 Oscar Nominees and various celebrities will be on hand to support the young upcoming student filmmakers.

The prestigious organization of actors, cinematographers, editors, writers, and directors has in the past played host to an array of celebrities and nominees from Salma Hayek,Robert DeNiro, Kate Winslet and Djimon Hounsou to Sandra Bullock, Denzel Washington, and Leonardo DiCaprio among others.  The luncheon is always anticipated and remembered for its spontaneous surprises of high-profile guests and the goodwill shared among colleagues, coming out in support of talented emerging artists.

Previous year honorees were Oscar Winner Sandra Bullock, Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett Jr., Oscar Nominee Ruby Dee, Academy Nominee Sally Kirkland, Kate Linder (Actress, Philanthropist), Renee’ Valente (Producer, Valente Productions), Michelle Phillips (Actress, Singer) and A.C. Lyles (Paramount Pictures).

The MMPA is encouraging 2012 Academy Award nominees, past and present to come out in full force to support the 19th Annual MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Awards.

GENERAL TICKETS: Limited amount of tickets are available for sale from $150 and Up purchase them online at http://thediversityawards.org/

The Annual MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Civic Awards is a production of The Multicultural Motion Picture Association. Jarvee Hutcherson is the President of The Multicultural Motion Picture Association.

Event sponsors include American Society of Young Musicians, Sofitel LA Luxury Hotels, WTV Networks, World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations, Diversity News Magazine, A&G Entertainment Productions, Hot Talk LA, Rose Breast Cancer Society, Sherwood Florist and Lamborghini Gold Champagne and many more.

About The Multicultural Motion Picture Association: 
The MMPA is a 501 © 3 non-profit arts organization that provides scholarships annually to a certain number of qualified film students and trade guild apprentices who have shown dedication and talent for furthering their studies in the cinematic arts. The MMPA’s annual Oscar Week Luncheon is always a highly anticipated afternoon event amid sumptuous mid-day dining where talented young filmmakers intermingle with Academy Award® nominees and studio executives. The MMPA utilizes committed individuals who bring their skills and commitment to schools, as well as youth and civic organizations, where teens and young adults need career mentoring, coupled with equipment and technical support. The Multicultural Motion Picture Association is also the producer of the Diversity Awards. For more information visit http://www.thediversityawards.org

Source: The Multicultural Motion Picture Association
Photos credit to: Rodrigo Vaz, Diversity News Magazine

Paula Abdul Joins Simon Cowell on THE X FACTOR as Judge Panel

On Sunday, May 8, 2011 Fox.com reported that America’s sweetheart, world-renowned choreographer and pop icon Paula Abdul will join Cheryl Cole, Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Simon Cowell as a judge on THE X FACTOR, the highly anticipated singing competition series debuting this fall. Abdul, who sat alongside Cowell for eight seasons as a judge on AMERICAN IDOL, has worldwide album sales exceeding 50 million records, two No. 1 albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People’s Choice Awards and two Kids’ Choice Awards. Abdul will join Cole, Cowell, and Reid as they travel to THE X FACTOR audition cities searching for the next global superstar or breakout music group.


“This show would never have been the same without Paula and I can’t believe I am saying this – I have missed her a lot, and I am thrilled she’s on the show,” said Simon Cowell.

“I am excited beyond words to be a part of THE X FACTOR. I couldn’t be happier to bring my love for cultivating talent and performance to such a wildly anticipated show,” said Paula Abdul. “I’m looking forward to being back with the FOX family and know that it will be an extraordinary journey — we’re going to have a blast. I’m also delighted and grateful to be sitting next to Simon again…but you might want to check back with me in a week or two!”

“Paula is not only the lovely, nurturing person that America fell in love with, but she’s also one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever seen — which makes her a perfect fit to judge THE X FACTOR,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “Paula and Simon have undeniable chemistry, and together with L.A. Reid and Cheryl Cole, I think we’ve put together an incredibly entertaining judges’ panel.”

“I’m thrilled to be working with Paula again,” says executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “A consummate entertainer in her own right, she has an extraordinary talent and generosity for nurturing performers — and her chemistry with Simon Cowell is like no other. I especially look forward to seeing her signature sensibilities in action during our mentoring rounds!”

Auditions have been held in Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, Seattle and Chicago. Dallas auditions take place on May 26. In addition to the open auditions, THE X FACTOR has audition booths in six more cities open through May 8.

During the open auditions, The X Factor Hotline (1-855-345-5678) will be updated with relevant audition details.


About Paula Abdul:
Paula Julie Abdul ( /ˈæbduːl/; born June 19, 1962)^[2] is an American recording artist, dancer,choreographer, actress and television personality.

In the 1980s, Abdul rose from cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers to highly sought-after choreographer at the height of the music video era before scoring a string of pop music-R&B hits in the late-1980s and early-1990s. Her six number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 tie her for fifth among the female solo performers who have reached #1 there.^[3] She won a Grammy for “Best Music Video – Short Form” for “Opposites Attract” and twice won the “Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography“.

After her initial period of success, she suffered a series of setbacks in her professional and personal life, until she found renewed fame and success in the 2000s as a judge on the television series, American Idol, for eight years, before departing from the show. Abdul had moved on to another television series, CBS‘s Live to Dance, which debuted in January 2011. The series has since been canceled. Following her judging role in Live to Dance, Abdul moved to theAmerican version of The X Factor with her former American Idol co-judge Simon Cowell which will premiere in September 2011.^[4] She is said to be working on a new album.^[5][6]

Sources: Fox.com & Wikipedia

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to Paula Abdul for taking a new job with The X Factor and for sure we will watch FOX Networks to see her again and Welcome back to The Fox Family.

Question? Will you watch The X Factor now the Paula Abdul is back on the FOX Networks?