Battista Returns as President of Fox National Cable Networks
Will Be Responsible for National Cable Programming Services
By Larry Barrett -- Multichannel News, 9/24/2008 5:47:00 AM
Fox Wednesday announced that Rich Battista, who has already served two prior stints with the network, will return as president of Fox National Cable Networks.
In this newly created position, Battista will be responsible for oversight of the company’s national cable programming services, including FX, National Geographic Channel, Fox Movie Channel, Fox Reality Channel, FUEL TV, Speed, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox College Sports, Fox Sports en Español, the Big Ten Network (co-venture with the Big Ten Conference) and Fox Cable Ad Sales.
“We’ve been looking for the right opportunity for Rich to re-join our team ever since the Gemstar sale earlier this year,” Tony Vinciquerra, chairman and CEO of the Fox Networks Group, said in a statement. “He is a uniquely skilled executive who has demonstrated success in virtually every area of the television business. I’m delighted he’s returning to the company.”
Battista most recently served as CEO of Gemstar-TV Guide International, which was acquired by Macrovision for $2.8 billion earlier this year, from 2004 to 2008.
Before joining Macrovision, he held the position of executive vice president, business development and strategy for Fox Entertainment Group where he was responsible for managing business development and identifying strategic partners for the various Fox Entertainment Group companies.
He previously served as executive vice president, Fox Networks Group, where he oversaw business development on behalf of Fox Broadcasting Co. and the Fox Cable Networks.
Battista first joined Fox in 1990, holding numerous management positions throughout the rapidly evolving Fox Television portfolio. He left in 1999 to become co-founder and CEO of iFUSE, a youth culture media company, and returned in 2001 as executive vice president, Fox Television.
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