Fox Television Group COO Joe Earley to Step Down

LOS ANGELES: Joe Earley, a longtime veteran of FOX and currently the COO of Fox Television Group, is planning to exit his post at the end of the year.

Earley has been in the COO role since August 2014. Prior to this, he served as COO of Fox Broadcasting Company, and was at one time the president of marketing and communications for the network.

"Over the past 21 years, I've had the great fortune of working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring people in the business, from my co-workers and bosses, to the talent on our shows, both in front of and behind the camera," said Earley. "Because of the entrepreneurial spirit that pervades FOX, and the incredible support of the teams across the network, I have been afforded unbelievable opportunities for growth and new experiences. I'm very grateful to Dana Walden, Gary Newman and Peter Rice for their leadership and friendship, and for inviting me to join them at the Fox Television Group, which has allowed me to also appreciate the impressive team on the studio side. All of this new opportunity, however, as rewarding as it is, has led me further and further from the creative process, which is really where my heart wants to be. So, while I will miss my extended FOX family terribly, it is time for me to pursue the proverbial, 'next chapter.' As a former publicist, I thought I would never use that phrase, but it turns out that sometimes it's true."

Gary Newman and Dana Walden, chairmen and CEOs of Fox Television Group, said: "Joe is one of the most talented executives and gifted leaders we've ever had the pleasure of working with, so we are saddened that he has decided to step down. We have been discussing his desire to get closer to the creative process for a while now, and although we would love for him to stay at Fox for another 21 years, we understand and fully support his plans to take on new challenges. We are extremely grateful to Joe for his partnership, strategic insight and all of his contributions to the company, and we know we'll be working with him again soon."

Peter Rice, the chairman and CEO of Fox Networks Group, commented: "I have been fortunate to work with Joe for nearly seven years, and one of the things I admire most about him is the deep level of trust and confidence he's built with our creators, talent and industry peers. His sharp business sense, passion for creativity and ability to inspire and mobilize teams have made him an extraordinary and beloved executive here at Fox, and he will undoubtedly have that same impact no matter what path he chooses to take next."