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Abernethy Named Fox Television Stations CEO

Dec 7, 2004  •  Post A Comment

Fox News executive VP Jack Abernethy has been named CEO of Fox Television Stations, the division that includes 35 News Corp.-owned and/or operated stations and Twentieth Television. Mr. Abernethy, 48, will report to Lachlan Murdoch, the deputy chief operating officer of News Corp. and chairman of the Fox stations group.

Tom Hurwitz will continue as president of station operations and Jim Burke will continue as president of sales for the stations group and Fox’s regional sports networks. Both will report to Mr. Abernethy.

“Jack’s proven understanding of the television business, his keen sense of news and entertainment and his strong managerial skills will be invaluable as we maximize the potential of these very important businesses,” said Mr. Murdoch in the announcement of the change.

The promotion will take effect Jan. 1. Mr. Abernethy’s successor at Fox News has not been determined.

Mr. Abernethy joined Fox News in 1996 to help develop strategic and business plans for the channel’s launch. He later became responsible for finance, human resources, legal affairs, affiliate distribution and Fox News Radio.

Before joining Fox News, Mr. Abernethy spent 15 years in finance management positions with General Electric, including stints with the NBC stations group and CNBC.

Mr. Abernethy said: “I am looking forward to working closely with Lachlan to continue the success that has been achieved at the Fox stations in recent years. It is a dynamic and challenging market for local television and I am committed to maintaining Fox’s leadership position.”