Fox network names marketing chief

Long-time television publicist Joe Earley, who got his start at the Fox network promoting such shows as “The Simpsons,” is now in charge of all of the network’s marketing and publicity efforts.

The promotion, announced Friday, substantially increases Earley’s sphere of influence at the No. 1 broadcast network.

For more than two years, Earley has been responsible for nearly 40 people who work in Fox Broadcasting Co.’s publicity, corporate communications and creative services divisions. Now, his portfolio also includes the marketing department, which has a staff of about 150.

“This is a great opportunity for me to work with people whose work I’ve admired all along,” Earley said. “My goal is to take the amazing work that already happens and create an environment for people to take their talent to the next level.”

Chris Carlisle, Fox’s previous marketing chief, left this month for Time Warner Inc.’s New Line Cinema.

Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Liguori explained the consolidation of duties under Earley in a statement: “In an ever-expanding media environment, marketing and communications must, now more than ever, work hand-in-hand to be effective.”

Earley, 40, joined Fox in 1994 and “slowly, just clawed my way up,” he said.

Before Fox, the Chicago native worked three years at HBO. He began his career in feature film production, working for producer Gale Anne Hurd.

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meg.james@latimes.com