David Lyle to Head New Fox Unscripted Unit

LOS ANGELES: Fox Networks Group (FNG) has launched a new unit devoted to the international licensing and production of unscripted programming from FOX Broadcasting Company and Fox Cable Networks, to be headed up by David Lyle.

Fox LOOK will be led by Lyle—formerly the head of Fox Reality Channel—as president, reporting to Tony Vinciquerra, the chairman and CEO of Fox Networks Group. Lyle will also work closely with Marion Edwards, the president of international television at Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution.

“There is a strong demand for this type of content internationally and Fox LOOK was created to maximize our footprint in this ever-growing category,” said Vinciquerra. “David Lyle is an expert in the international format business and his passion for the industry will provide us with a tremendous advantage.”

Fox LOOK plans to license formats internationally, form partnerships with international production companies to produce unscripted formats, or establish new production entities in various territories. Formats to be offered up by the unit include Temptation Island, Beauty and the Geek and Celebrity Spelling Bee.

“Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution will continue to bring our scripted formats to the international market, and we also look forward to working alongside David and his new group to help advance the presence of Fox unscripted programming around the world,” said Edwards. “We look forward to supporting Fox LOOK with the strength of our international sales expertise.”

“It’s great to have a distribution arm dedicated solely to our shows,” said Mike Darnell, the president of alternative programming at Fox Broadcasting Company. “I’m encouraged that our hits will be enjoyed by millions of additional viewers."