DIRECTV Exec Named President of FOX Sports

EL SEGUNDO: Eric Shanks, the executive VP of entertainment at DIRECTV, is leaving the company in June to join FOX Sports, where he will serve as president.

Shanks will report to David Hill, the chairman and CEO of FOX Sports Media Group. He joined DIRECTV in February 2004 as senior VP of advanced services and content and went on to serve as executive VP of entertainment. In this role, he was responsible for the creation of the NFL Red Zone channel, the launch of DIRECTV on DEMAND, The 101 Network and NASCAR Hotpass.

"Anyone who knows Eric is keenly aware of his deep passion for sports, so when this opportunity came up for him a while back, we worked with our friends at News Corporation and FOX Sports to ensure the transition for both companies was seamless," said Mike White, the president and CEO of DIRECTV. "His accomplishments here have left an immensely positive impact on the organization that will resonate for many years to come. We wish him the very best in his new position."

"It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience working for DIRECTV, not only contributing to our tremendous growth, but also helping to innovate many of the new products and services that provide our customers with hands-down the best video experience available," commented Shanks. "I am definitely going to miss working with all the great and talented people here at the company and will enjoy watching their continued success."