FX Networks unveils new management structure and new show for FXX

News Corp.’s cable unit FX Networks has restructured its executive ranks in advance of the launch a new entertainment channel -- FXX -- and a corresponding increase in original programming production to service it.

Under the new structure, three senior FX executives -- Nick Grad, Eric Schrier and Chuck Saftler -- have all been elevated. Grad and Schrier will share the title of president of original programming for FX Networks and FX Productions, while Saftler becomes president of program strategy and chief operating officer of FX Networks. All three had previously been executive vice presidents.

The trio will report to John Landgraf, who this week was named chief executive of FX Networks and FX Productions.

“Nick, Eric and Chuck have been involved in every facet of FX’s success over the past decade,” Landgraf said in a statement. “It is only appropriate to see them each take on more responsibility as we pursue an ambitious expansion of our channels, programming and distribution platforms.”

FXX will debut this September in roughly 70 million homes. FX, is best known for risque comedies and dark dramas such as “Louie,” “Sons of Anarchy” and “American Horror Story.” The new FXX will have similar tastes but target younger demographics.

The first new show for FXX will be “Chozen,” an animated comedy the network said is about “a gay white rapper fresh out of prison with a new message and new skills, which he will use in his quest for redemption and domination.” The show’s executive producers includes Danny McBride, the star of the HBO dark comedy “Eastbound & Down.”

“It’s brash and outrageous,” Grad said. “Chozen” will premiere in early 2014.

FX is also moving the comedies “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Legit,” and “The League” from FX to FXX. The FX late-night show “Totally Biased With W. Kamau Bell” is also moving to FXX and will expand from a weekly to a nightly show on its new home.

The third FX channel, FXM, is primarily an outlet for theatrical movies.

In designing the new structure, Landgraf said it was important the unit maintain its “boutique” approach to entertainment as opposed to becoming a factory despite the fact there is another channel to feed with original and acquired product.

“My job is to figure out how to empower these guys,” Landgraf said. Grad added that “we’re usually on the same page.”

FX Networks will also launch live streams of its three networks in the fall available to pay-TV subscribers.

Separately, Landgraf said “Brand X,” FX’s late night show with Russell Brand was ending its run. However, Brand is developing a new project for the unit. He also acknowledged ratings for Charlie Sheen’s sitcom “Anger Management” are “less than we’d like them to be.”

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Follow Joe Flint on Twitter @JBFlint.