News Corp.’s David Hill To Take Oversight Of Fox’s ‘American Idol’ And ‘The X Factor’
Veteran News Corp. TV executive David Hill is stepping in to oversee Fox’s flagship reality series American Idol and The X Factor. Hill, who serves as Senior EVP of News Corp. after a long tenure as chairman and CEO of Fox Sports, is not a replacement for Fox’s departing alternative programming president Mike Darnell but will take over his duties on Idol and X Factor. Following Darnell’s recent announcement that he was stepping down, there has been a decision-making vacuum on the two shows, with Idol in particular in dire need of someone to oversee its upcoming overhaul following record-low ratings.
Related: Mike Darnell On His Decision To Leave Fox & His Future
Three of the four judges — Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson — already announced they are not coming back. Executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warrick also are not expected to continue, but even that decision has not been formalized, along with the recruitment of new judges, with negotiations with Idol alumna Jennifer Hudson stalled. Hill’s coming on board is expected to help get things moving. It also will shift the way the two shows are run toward a more traditional network/producer relationship, with Hill serving as the network’s point person for the producers.Meanwhile, search for Darnell’s replacement continues, with his successor expected to focus on development. Hill’s recent tasks at News Corp. have included Nat Geo, the launch of Fox Sports Japan and the upcoming launch of Fox Sports 1. He has extensive experience with live events and is said to be passionate about both Idol and X Factor.
Related: Anyone Care Who Won ‘American Idol’?
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