Former Disney executive Rich Ross lands at Shine America

Deposed Walt Disney Studios Chairman and former Disney Channels Worldwide President Rich Ross has been named chief executive of Shine America, a production company owned by News Corp.

Ross, who was a fast-rising television executive heading Disney Channels Worldwide, stumbled badly when he was tapped to head the Burbank media company’s movie studio. His 2 1/2-year run was marked by executive upheaval and disappointing movies, including the costly flop “John Carter.”

In joining Shine, Ross is returning to his small-screen roots. Best known for producing reality TV fare including Fox’s “MasterChef” and NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” Shine is run by Elisabeth Murdoch, daughter of News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch.

The hiring of Ross is a signal that Shine is making a big push to expand beyond reality into scripted entertainment. The company already has some scripted projects in the works including a new drama for the cable network FX. Most of Ross’ experience is with drama and comedy, not reality.

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-- Joe Flint, Los Angeles Times