Fox Sports’ Randy Freer named president and COO of Networks Group

Fox Sports Co-President Randy Freer has been tapped to be president and chief operating officer for the Fox Networks Group, the unit that houses the company’s broadcast and cable properties.

In his new role, Freer will oversee business operations for the unit including advertising sales and distribution. He will continue to be involved in sports rights negotiations as well for Fox’s national and regional sports networks and Fox Broadcasting.

The move will free up Fox Networks Group Chairman and Chief Executive Peter Rice to focus more on the creative operations of group.

ON LOCATION: Where the cameras roll

Eric Shanks, who had shared the title of president of Fox Sports Media Group, will now become its sole president and chief operating officer. While Shanks and Freer had a good working relationship, the sharing of titles was something of a forced marriage.

Under the new structure, Shanks will continue to report to Rice as will FX Networks head John Landgraf and Kevin Reilly, head of entertainment for Fox Broadcasting.

Reporting to Freer will be Michael Baird, the new head of distribution and sales executives Toby Byrne and Lou LaTorre.

Rice and Freer will share oversight of legal and human resources as well as corporate communications.

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