JOE EARLEY TO STEP DOWN AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, FOX TELEVISION GROUP, AT THE END OF THE YEAR

Joe Earley, longtime FOX veteran and current COO for Fox Television Group, has announced he will step down from his role at the end of the year.

"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, Chairman and CEO of Fox Networks Group, said, "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."

Earley has served as Chief Operating Officer for Fox Television Group since August 2014, where he's had oversight of marketing and communications, digital, research, talent relations, scheduling and audience strategy at Fox Broadcasting Company, and partnered with 20th Century Fox Television's development, production, business affairs, marketing and finance leads on strategic initiatives, as well as publicity and talent relations at the studio.

Previously, Earley served as COO of Fox Broadcasting Company, where he played a key management role in all areas of the network, including scripted programming and development, casting, scheduling, marketing and communications, research, audience strategy, digital and business affairs. Prior to that, he was President of Marketing & Communications for the network, having risen from previous positions as Executive Vice President of Marketing & Communications; Executive Vice President of Publicity, Corporate Communications and Creative Services; Senior Vice President, Publicity and Corporate Communications; and Vice President, Entertainment Publicity.

Before joining FOX as Senior Publicist in 1994, Earley spent several years in Media Relations at HBO. He began his entertainment career in production and development with producer Gale Anne Hurd.

A native of Chicago, Earley received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from the University of California, Los Angeles.

About Fox Broadcasting Company

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), a unit of 21st Century Fox, is home to some of the highest-rated and most acclaimed series on television, including EMPIRE, GOTHAM, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH, SCREAM QUEENS, ROSEWOOD, AMERICAN IDOL, NEW GIRL, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, GRANDFATHERED, THE GRINDER, BOB'S BURGERS, THE SIMPSONS, FAMILY GUY and SLEEPY HOLLOW. FOX airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week, as well as major sports and Sunday morning news. Through the FOX NOW app, FOX viewers can watch full episodes of their favorite FOX shows on a variety of digital platforms, while enjoying enhanced interactive and social capabilities around those shows. Download the FOX NOW app at www.fox.com/foxnow. "Like" FOX on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FOXTV and follow the network on Twitter @FOXTV. For additional information about FOX, please visit www.fox.com.