DIRECTV has appointed David Hill, the chairman of Fox Sports, as president of a new entertainment group, with responsibility including interactive television.
The Entertainment group is one of three new operating units created by DIRECTV president Chase Carey as part of an organisational re-structure. It follows the departure of Mitch Stern as president and chief executive of the satellite television service.
“David is a true innovator and an enormously talented executive who has distinguished himself with his creativity and originality in the television industry,” said Carey. “His proven capabilities, vision and experience, which transcends sports television, will be vital in taking DIRECTV to the next level.”
As president of Entertainment, David Hill will be responsible for the content and consumer viewing experience, including programming, the integration of new technologies and the development of new forms of programming services, electronic programme guides, interactivity and other enhancements, together with advertising sales and other new revenue streams.
He will continue as chairman of Fox Sports in a non-executive role, enabling the integration of Fox Sports content into DIRECTV. “DIRECTV is the leader in pay television, a great success story and has dramatically changed the way consumers experience TV,” said Hill. “Our goal is to distinguish DIRECTV from other pay TV services and bring DIRECTV to a new standard of performance based on the creative excellence and innovation that has long been its cornerstone.”
Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp controls Fox Entertainment and holds a 34% stake in DIRECTV.