Diller Names New President of USA Networks

Barry Diller has recruited a television station entrepreneur to become president and chief operating officer of USA Networks Inc. in a move that could presage a greater emphasis within the company on the struggling broadcasting group. Barry Baker, who resigned earlier this month as the acting chief executive of Sinclair Communications, is Diller’s highest-level appointment and would bring executive depth to USA after a period of fast expansion. Though Diller has amassed assets with a market value of nearly $18 billion, the company has yet to deliver on the cross-promotional and production promises. Analysts and industry executives speculate that Baker’s appointment is a precursor to a big station or network play for USA Networks. Diller has had discussions over the last year about buying the CBS network or merging with NBC. He is rumored to have looked at the radio and television giant, Chancellor Media, which sources say is having trouble getting its target price after putting itself up for sale last month. “You can’t rule anything out,” said Baker, 46.